Meditation has been the subject of research since the late 1960s and is now being used in many treatments in conjunction with conventional medical practices. It is being used to improve the quality of life for people who have cancer, AIDS or high blood pressure, and to help people who have an addiction to narcotics. [...]

Melissa had a part-time job and had to work at night. On most nights she was alone, except for customers coming and going. Melissa was scared of being held up, as there was always quite a bit of cash around. Her fear increased and her anxiety became all-pervasive. She decided to seek help and was [...]

The second category of avoidance behaviour is caused through anticipatory anxiety, the ‘what ifs’. This category differs from the first in its defence and control. The first category is an overall, ongoing attempt to control the disorder; the second is a defence against a specific spiral of high anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety is the fear of [...]

Social phobia Social phobia can also be an extremely restrictive disorder. People fear being watched by other people. They become frightened in case they embarrass themselves. They may fear public speaking, eating in front of other people, social occasions or talking to people. Some people are frightened to walk down the street or go into [...]