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Articles1
Ann Anxiety   
Anxiety Disorders: A Hidden Crippler
 By Ann Lehwald, L.C.S.W.-C  (Continued)

Phobias are the irrational fear of an object or situation.  There are several types of phobias, but common with all is the knowledge that the fears are irrational.   
A simple phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific thing, such as spiders.  A social phobia, not to be confused with shyness, is the fear of being humiliated in social situations.  Because people with social phobia believe that others are much more competent  than they are, any mistake they make is exaggerated. Often they are afraid of being with people other than those closest to them.  Sometimes the fear may be more specific, such as talking to an authority figure, eating out, or using a public restroom.
John suffers with obsessive compulsive disorder.  Like others with OCD, he is frequently bothered with persistent and intrusive thoughts and the need to over which he feels he has no control.  The persistent thoughts are referred to as obsessions and the rituals that are performed to prevent the thoughts are called compulsions.  There are many obsessions and compulsions, but the most common are an obsession with germs and the need to wash one’s hands over and over; the need to count things; intense feelings of doubt and need to check things repeatedly; and persistent, unpleasant thoughts.   
Anxiety disorders are frequently misunderstood.  Family and friends may believe that with a little determination and willpower someone can “just get over it”. Symptoms however, don’t just go away, but with professional help anxiety disorders are very treatable .
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”
Mark 6:34
http://www.renewalcounseling.com/page15.html (1 of 2)7/23/2006 11:31:2 3 AM