xposure to a particular situation or the mere thought of being in the situation. People with social phobias realize that their fears are irrational but they still experience the dread and anxiety. Treatment consists of cognitive-behavior therapy or medication or a combination of the two. (Pamphlet, 5-6).Many people experience specific phobias - intense, irrational fears of certain things. Some of the more common specific phobias are dogs, closed-in places, heights, tunnels, bridges, and flying. Specific phobias tend to run in families and are more common in women. They strike more than one in ten peole and no one knows just what causes them. Important career or personal decisions may be affected by a person's specific phobia but many of the feared things are easily avoidable and help is not sought. Treatment employs desensitization or exposure therapy and is beneficial in three-fourths of patients. There are currently no drugs recommended for specific phobias however, certain medications may be prescribed to help relieve anxiety symptoms. Relaxation and breathing exercises are also helpful.General anxiety disorder (GAD) GAD affects two to five percent of the general population, but it accounts for almost 30% of "psychiatric" consultations in general practice. GAD is chronic or exaggerated worry and tension. Worrying is often accompanied by physical symptoms like trembling, muscle tension, headache and nausea. People with GAD can't seem to shake their concerns, seem unable to relax, have trouble falling or staying asleep, or feel lightheaded or out of breath. Some individuals startle more easily than other people, tend to feel tired, have trouble concentrating, and sometimes suffer depression. (Pamphlet, 2).Although GAD is the most common anxiety disorder, it is the least understood. It affects people of both sexes and all ages but is diagnosed more frequently in women than in men. The diagnosis of GAD is chronic, exagg...
