By Professor Kevin Gournay, former Patron of No Panic. The first thing many people ask when they have serious anxiety problems is “Am I going mad?” Very often, people with anxiety states feel that they are teetering on the edge and that loss of control is imminent. Indeed, many people become obsessed with the idea that […]
Neurosis or Psychosis Read More »
By Professor Kevin Gournay Agoraphobia was a term coined by the German neurologist Westphal in 1871. In his original description, Westphal described four patients (all men) who had attacks of anxiety in public places. Interestingly, he described how several of them used alcohol to reduce their fears. The term ‘agoraphobia’ derives from the Greek, the
Agoraphobia, Cause and Treatment Read More »
By Professor Kevin Gournay Dysmorphophobia, which has been re-named Body Dysmorphic Disorder is one whereby there is a preoccupation with one’s appearance and this leads to considerable distress. I am currently engaged in some research on the nature and treatment of this condition but it is a common accompaniment of phobic and obsessional states. People
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Read More »
By Professor Kevin Gournay Feelings of unreality de-realisation are very common among anxiety sufferers. These feelings can vary considerably between different people, and sometimes it is the world around you that feels unreal, in other cases it may be that you yourself feel unreal. You may even suffer both of these problems. Many sufferers of
Unreality and Anxiety Read More »
By Professor Kevin Gournay Several years ago, Colin Hammond the founder of No Panic, drew my attention to an article concerning the work of Professor Puri of the Hammersmith Hospital and Imperial College and I thought that the focus of Dr Puri’s work might prove to be interesting for readers. To begin, one needs
Omega 3 and Mental Health Read More »
Towards the end of 2008, some research was published in the European Heart Journal, which as part of a larger study looked at the links between panic disorder and heart disease. The results of this study were reported fairly widely and one particular article, in the DailyMail, entitled “Panic attack sufferers’ increased heart risk” led
Do Panic Attacks Cause Heart Attacks? Read More »
A panic attack is a sudden onset of extreme anxiety and fear. They are terrifying and can happen without warning or reason. Symptoms can vary tremendously and may include; Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy, a pounding heart, tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers, sweating, breathing difficulties or chest pains, as well as a
Strategies for Coping with Panic Read More »
Recovery from an anxiety disorder can be compared to a jigsaw puzzle. There are many pieces you need to complete the picture and they cannot all be put in place at the same time. It has to be done piece by piece, but eventually with a bit of determination and hard work the picture can
Recovery From an Anxiety Disorder Read More »
At the age of 25, Ken was going through a difficult period in his life and was clinically depressed. He was having problems with relationships and with his career. The “trigger” for his O.C.D. occurred on a trip to Canada. Ken explains: “There was a drought and we could not wash very often. I felt
Ken’s Story – Contamination Read More »
By Professor Kevin Gournay. Like adults, children have a whole range of fears and, for the most part, these fears are normal. Fears often start for no apparent reason and subside again just as quickly. As any parent knows, some childhood fears can be intense and illogical and while most children go through phases of