Do you or someone you know seem overly preoccupied with rules, regulations, and orderliness? Do things often need to be done “a particular way” or “the perfect way?” If so, it may be Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, or “OCPD.” What Is OCPD, Exactly? OCPD is a personality disorder. A personality disorder is a characteristic style that…
Many people think of stress and anxiety as the same thing. There are important differences, however. Understanding them can help you if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety.
Anxiety can lead people to avoid all kinds of things — even sex. Understanding the role anxiety plays is a critical part to addressing sex avoidance. Updated August 19, 2023 One of the reasons you don’t read a lot about sex avoidance is that it’s more likely a symptom than a problem. But what is…
If you get panicky in enclosed spaces or situations when you feel trapped, you’re not alone. Cleithrophobia is a well-understood and treatable problem. Learn more. Updated: December 20th, 2023 Cleithrophobia: Definition Cleithrophobia is a fear of being trapped. It is a “specific phobia” (as opposed to a social phobia). Cleithrophobia can affect adults or children.…
Blushing is a normal reaction in certain circumstances. So why might you have a fear of blushing? And what can you do about it? Karla blushed during a date after she spilled water all over herself and the table. She felt embarrassed and that her date thought she was awkward. From then on, she started…
Last updated: June 17, 2024 Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), sometimes referred to as complex trauma or complex PTSD, is somewhat different from PTSD. Here’s what you need to know about distinguishing cPTSD from PTSD and the treatment for each of these conditions. What Is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a syndrome that…
It used to be easier to determine how much hand washing was excessive — but the COVID pandemic changed that. So what makes sense now? In the early months of COVID in the United States, health authorities constantly reminded the public to wash their hands often, and well. Indeed, the CDC still reminds us that…
Intrusive thoughts about violence, one’s sexual orientation, gender, and other topics can lead to severe anxiety. Learn about common myths that can actually make intrusive thoughts worse. “Intrusive thoughts” are thoughts or images that a person experiences as unwanted. Intrusive thoughts are normal and unproblematic for most people. However, when experienced frequently, these thoughts can…
Adults, teens, and even children can suffer from anxiety disorders. One type of anxiety characterized by panic attacks and the fear of more panic attacks is known as panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia). Panic Disorder and Its Symptoms Panic disorder is a potentially debilitating condition that affects between 2-3% of adults in the United…
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can be demoralizing. It can even be disabling. But is PTSD permanent? Not if you’re willing to address it. What Is PTSD? PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a syndrome that sometimes affects people who experience very stressful events. What causes PTSD?
Sometimes we all skip out on things we don’t like. How is that relevant to anxiety? Very! Learn why avoidance may be the most important thing you’re overlooking to improve your anxiety. Why Is Avoidance So Important? We all try to get more of the things we like and less of the things we don’t.…
There are few things more unpleasant than a panic attack. Getting one to stop can be complicated, but the strategies presented below can help.