Phobias & Test Anxiety

There is a difference between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and specific phobias (SP’s).

“GAD is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, death, family problems, friend problems, relationship problems or work difficulties. They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, hyperventilation, difficulty swallowing, fast heart rate, and sweating. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced.”*

Children with GAD may worry about many things, not just one thing. Their typical thought processes may include all of the following: What if a burglar breaks into our home and kidnaps me? What if there is an earthquake? What if dad is in an auto accident on his way to work? Oh, my gosh, mom is five minutes late in picking me up now; what if she forgot about me or got lost?

“Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of GAD. A basic concept in CBT treatment of anxiety disorders is in vivo exposure: gradual exposure to the actual, feared stimulus. This treatment is based on the theory that the fear response has been classically conditioned and that avoidance negatively reinforces and maintains that fear. Through exposure to the stimulus, this conditioning can be unlearned; this is referred to as extinction and hatituation.”*

If someone has GAD, then clinical hypnosis alone is not the answer. Hypnosis can be used as an adjunctive tool, in addition to CBT, for patients with this disorder.

By contrast, SP’s may be helped with clinical hypnosis.  Examples of SP’s include:  fear of flying, fear of heights, fear of spiders/animals, and fear of needles.  Performance anxiety is another example, and may include sports performance (for more on this, visit the section on sports performance enhancement), test anxiety, musical performances such as a recital or a dance, etc.

* From Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia.

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