Vomit Phobia – Fear of Vomiting (Emetophobia)

Flu season will be quickly upon us and with it comes an unfortunate increase in the likelihood of experiencing fevers, coughs, runny noses, vomiting, and the like.

Although no one enjoys being sick, this time of year poses particular challenges for individuals suffering from “vomit phobia”, or emetophobia, the fear of throwing up.

The …  (read more)

Agoraphobia – Symptom Attacks, Triggers, Panic, & Avoidance Behaviors

On September 7, 2011, in Agoraphobia, Panic, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Let’s dispel a common misconception about agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is not a fear of the outdoors. Many people mistakenly believe this myth, due to the word’s Latin roots.  Because agoraphobia can be broken down into the roots agora (“marketplace”) and phobia (“fear of”), many people assume that agoraphobia is a “fear of the marketplace” or a fear …  (read more)

Panic Attack Causes: Fight-or-Flight & the Sympathetic Nervous System

On August 11, 2011, in Panic, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Panic attacks feel awful.

However, despite the unpleasantness of panic attacks, we’re actually lucky to have the neural circuitry that drives them. Although it might not feel like it, panic is caused by one of your body’s most important self-protective mechanisms.

What causes panic attacks?

When we are safe, our bodies are designed to …  (read more)

One Panic Treatment Basic that Even Your Therapist Might not Know

On August 9, 2011, in Panic, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

If you have panic disorder or suffer from panic attacks or agoraphobia, chances are you might be inadvertently doing one simple thing that is making your panic attacks and anxiety worse. You might have even learned this strategy from your therapist.  Although beneficial in many different contexts, when used inappropriately, this technique has the …  (read more)

Although it might feel like you’re dying, you’re not. That’s just what the panic wants you to think.

On July 20, 2011, in Panic, by Steven J. Seay, Ph.D.

Disclaimer: Because panic attacks can mimic the symptoms of several serious medical conditions, it’s important that you talk with your doctor before beginning any panic treatment program.  Never begin panic treatment without first obtaining medical clearance from your physician.

Panic attacks feel horrible.

If you are one of the 5% of Americans suffering from recurrent …  (read more)

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