Anxiety, fears and worry, are all a part of most people's life. In fact, fear is a necessary warning signal of a dangerous or difficult situation. Without anxiety, we would have no way of anticipating difficulties ahead and preparing for them. But this normally helpful emotion can do just the opposite: it can keep you from coping and can disrupt your daily life. Normal anxiety turns into a disorder when it becomes chronic and interferes with our daily routines and the ability to function adequately.
Anxiety and anxiety related disorders are the most common of all the mental health disorders. Usually, more women than men are afflicted. Anxiety and its related disorders are among the earliest psychiatric disorders to develop: many children are suffering from phobias or separation anxiety, many teenagers from Social Anxiety Disorder. Because of their early onset, they are seen as a major risk factor even a possible cause for later mental health problems.
Anxiety and related disorders are categorized into: Specific Phobia, Panic Disorder & Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, and Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders. They affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions, and physical health. Research of their specific origins is ongoing, but it is believed that they are caused by a combination of biological factors, cognitive style, and an individual’s personal circumstances, much like other health problems. Luckily, they can be treated effectively.
In this class Fear, Anxiety and Related Disorder are central:

• The different anxiety related disorders will be described in detail
• The role of research in understanding the causes of these conditions will be explained
• Effective treatments and a selection of therapeutic techniques will be described and practiced

Cases will be presented and discussed.