About
13.1 Million People in the United States Suffer from an Anxiety
Disorder
Anxiety Disorders
 Anxiety
disorders are more prevalent than alcohol or drug abuse in the U.S.
Yet only about 25% of those who suffer actually receive treatment.
Unfortunately, the consequences of untreated anxiety could lead to
various other problems, including: acute suicide risks, alcohol or
substance abuse, depression, sexual disorders and secondary illnesses.
Panic Attacks
One of the most severe forms of anxiety consists of panic attacks:
a problem we commonly treat at our Center. Often panic attacks occur
for no medically detectable reason. Being human with imperfectly functioning
physiology's, we are all vulnerable to occasional physical symptoms
such as chest pressure or pains, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, a case
of the jitters, or feeling vaguely unsettled or "weird."
But the anxiety-prone person, rather than ignoring those discomforts,
dwells on them, magnifying and prolonging them by thinking: "I
MUST know precisely why I'm feeling like this; I MUST be certain it's
not serious; I MUST never lose control or act crazy; I MUST not do
something stupid or look foolish; I MUST have a guarantee I'm not
going to die; I MUST not make myself look anxious."
Fired by such unrealistic notions, the anxiety-prone individual creates
out of the air, feelings of fright, while rigidly adding uncomfortable
situations and increasingly circumscribing his or her life.
The solution consists of recognizing that the MUSTS -- but not the
preferences -- are totally false; and although it would be highly
preferable to avoid discomfort, it's never a MUST. We don't always
HAVE TO feel entirely comfortable and we usually won't. Although it
would prove lovely never to unduly upset ourselves, being human and
imperfect we assuredly will some of the time.
Test Yourself -- Use the following questionnaire for identifying
potential anxiety problems:
1. Do you experience sudden racing of the heart, difficulty catching
your breath, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness?
2. Have you visited and emergency room or doctor in the last six months,
fearing a heart attack but, upon medical examination, no problem was
found?
3. Do you suddenly fear for no apparent reason that something terrible
might happen?
4. Are you afraid to either leave your home alone or stay home alone?
5. Do you avoid either crowds or open spaces, such as shopping malls,
parks, airports, train stations?
6. Do you feel tense and anxious and unable to relax most of the time?
7. Do you spend much of your time worrying that bad things will happen?
8. Do you get anxious when you are the center of attention?
9. Do you feel you must get drunk or take tranquilizers before social
occasions or performances?
10. Do you either avoid restaurants or standing on line at checkout
counters?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may
be suffering from some form of anxiety. A call to one of our psychologists
may help you identify your problem and gain relief.
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