Phobias Put Life on Hold For Millions of American Women
We all know someone with a fear of some seemingly silly thing such as spiders, water or heights. For most people minor phobias can make them feel momentarily uncomfortable or perhaps a little ill but they are still able to get on with their lives. But according to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) phobias that interfere with daily life, categorized as anxiety disorders, were most common among women in every age group.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) September 27, 2006
We all know someone with a fear of some seemingly silly thing such as spiders, water or heights. For most people minor phobias can make them feel momentarily uncomfortable or perhaps a little ill but they are still able to get on with their lives.
But according to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) phobias that interfere with daily life, categorized as anxiety disorders, were most common among women in every age group.
“The statistics are staggering” says Jon C Mejia, a researcher into neuroscience advances and co-author with RG Gaznabi of ‘Why Act Like a Mouse When You’re Really a Cat?’ “But what moved me the most are the unseen and hidden costs of phobias to people in terms of stigma and private suffering.”
Mejia, who spent six years exploring the effects of phobias, was surprised to learn that even apparently simple fears can escalate into disabling symptoms and that women are more likely to have this occur then men.
Social phobias often paralyze those who fear public speaking or even eating in public while specific phobias such as fear of the dark or dogs can trigger full blown panic attacks.
The effects can include depression and, in the most severe cases, suicidal tendencies, says Mejia.
“In my interviews it was clear that most people understood their fear was irrational, but knowing that didn’t make their distress any less agonizing for them,” Mejia explained, “and that one insight launched my six year quest to find a tool that might help alleviate the suffering of anyone who has to live with a phobia.”
To set up an informative and fascinating interview, call Scott Sanders at 800-892-4922.
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