Anxiety is a part of normal human experience.
We all know what it is like to feel nervous or tense when faced with a job interview, going out on a first date, giving a public speech, or getting lost in an unfamiliar area. We are all hard-wired to experience anxiety so that we can better cope with situations that are demanding, unfamiliar, or potentially threatening. As such, anxiety is a useful emotion that can improve our performance or protect us from danger.

For some people, however, anxiety is excessive. It can occur too often, too intensely, and disrupt, rather than improve, their ability to cope with daily life. If you are one of these people, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can cause you to feel crippling anxiety much of the time and/or avoid situations you may have previously handled with ease.

Anxiety disorders affect about 15% or 30 million Americans. They are the most common of all mental health problems and cost 42-46 billion dollars a year in the U.S. in direct and indirect healthcare costs. Their incidence has risen in the last ten years due to the increasing stress, complexity and uncertainty of contemporary society.

There are seven types of anxiety disorders:

Panic Disorder
Sudden episodes of extreme fear or apprehension (panic attacks) that can occur out of the blue.

Agoraphobia
Fear of having a panic attack in a situation from which escape might be difficult, or in a situation perceived to be far from safety. It can lead to avoidance of a variety of situations, most often driving far from home.

Social Phobia
Fear of embarrassment or humiliation in social or performance situations, often leading to avoidance of such situations

Specific Phobia
Fear and avoidance of one particular type of situation, such as flying, dentists, or elevators.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Chronic anxiety and worry without panic attacks or phobias.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions) which may be accompanied by rituals (compulsions such as hand washing or checking) in an effort to dispel the thoughts.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Disabling anxiety symptoms, including nightmares and “flashbacks,” following a traumatic event.

The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Effective treatments are available, and 80-90% of people can achieve a high level of recovery from their difficulties with effective treatment. Currently there are hundreds of self-help books, tape programs, and web sites devoted to helping you recover from your anxiety difficulties. There are also thousands of health professionals: psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers who specialize in treating anxiety disorders throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

This web site offers you yet another resource. For the past twenty years I have dedicated my professional career to helping people who struggle with anxiety disorders overcome their difficulties and lead more productive and peaceful lives. Toward that end, I’ve published five self-help books, three of which have been translated into several languages. I also offer low cost phone consultations and intensive therapy retreats. If what you see on this site appeals to you, please contact me and let’s discuss what types of approaches and interventions might be most helpful to you. Let go of being afraid or discouraged about your own recovery. A high level of recovery is possible for any anxiety disorder, no matter how severe, if you believe you can recover and are sincerely committed to the process of getting better.

Ed Bourne, Ph.D.