OCD treatment: A basic screening quiz

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

www.KickFear.com

OCD treatment is vital for those struggling with obsessions and compulsions that are significantly interfering with life. But, for some anxiety symptom sufferers, it is not clear to them whether they have OCD.

An evaluation by a psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders is recommended. However, for those wanting to gain more awareness of possible OCD symptoms, I have found a basic but useful little screening device. It gives a numbered score ranging from unlikely to suggesting probable OCD.

Take a look by clicking on the link below:

http://psychcentral.com/ocdquiz.htm

OCD can take many forms, so just use this as a beginning screening device if you like. For a diagnostic evaluation, see a psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders and treatment using CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy).

Follow this link for more on OCD treatment and anxiety

"Phobia" The Topic of Dr. April's Radio Interview

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

www.KickFear.com

"Phobia" was the topic of Dr. April's most recent radio interview. Just click the link below to hear Dr. April on the radio speak about "phobia": The origins, symptoms and treatment.

http://www.wjbc.com/portals/BLO/WJBCAM/WebReady/Media/00006_1022DrCraigApril.mp3

Follow this link for more on "phobia" treatment

Anxiety Relief and Greenspace?

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

www.KickFear.com

Anxiety relief can be encouraged with greenspace as a recent study shows. "Greenspace" as the study calls it, is NATURE. The study demonstrates that people who experience green nature frequently have lower rates of anxiety than those that live in the city.

Take a look at the article by clicking or copying the link and pasting it in your browser:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/10/19/green-space-helps-reduce-depression-and-anxiety/9042.html

This is not surprising. Nature puts us in touch with the present moment and can help put our issues in perspective. Many of the people I treat comment on specific experiences with nature that remind them how small we all are in reference to the universe - an important discovery when working toward anxiety relief.

Nature also tends to have a calming effect and studies have been done that suggest just having some house plants can do wonders for your mood and overall mental and physical health.

So if "greenspace" can help you on your path towards more anxiety relief, why not take action? If nature isn't outside your door, then plan on taking regular drives to "greenspace". And, of course, there is no excuse for not investing in some simple houseplants.

Follow this link for more on treatment for anxiety relief

Anxiety Support Groups: You Are Not Alone

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

www.KickFear.com

Anxiety support groups can be incredibly beneficial.

One of the main benefits is the opportunity to connect with others who share similar symptoms and experiences. This is not to be taken lightly for one considering participation in any anxiety support groups.

Anxiety can be a very lonely experience for the anxiety sufferer. I have heard the following quotes from so many that I have treated at my center:

"No one understands"

"They think I can just get over it, but if I knew how to I would have by now"

"He (or she) thinks it's all in my head and that I'm making it up"

"He (or she) thinks I'm weak"

. . . The list goes on and on.

Anxiety support groups give the gift of talking to others who truly understand. And then there is the support and encouragement received as individuals of the group make great leaps in progress. Not only is the experience supportive, but others are inspired to face more of their anxiety as they learn skills and strategies.

Follow this link for more on anxiety support groups

Anxiety Disorder,Panic Attacks Struck Legendary Singer

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

www.KickFear.com

Anxiety disorder,panic attacks struck legendary singer Joan Baez early in her career.

Take a look at this quote from a recent interview:

"Having achieved fame early, she remained in some ways naive, she says, recalling that the first time she saw the letters "SRO" in a headline about one of her concerts, she thought it meant "Sold Right Out." She also struggled for years with panic attacks, both offstage and on, sometimes stopping a performance in mid-song to go backstage and calm herself, then returning and picking up where she'd left off.

No one, she claims, ever seemed to want to talk about it. "I battled that for years, and nobody ever knew it.""

For the full interview, copy and paste the link below:

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/ellen_gray/20091013_Ellen_Gray_.html

A couple of interesting points related to Joan Baez' disclosure:

1.) Although you might think everyone can tell that you are anxious, it is often not the case.

2.) Your anxiety doesn't have to stop you from taking action.

It appears Joan Baez' struggles with anxiety occurred back in the '60's when Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for anxiety wasn't readily available.

Luckily now, whether you're suffering publicly or privately, you can seek the right anxiety treatment to move past your anxiety and panic attacks. There is no shame in anxiety disorders or panic attacks - even legendary singers can struggle with them.

The key is in making the choice to get help so you can learn strategies and techniques to resolve your anxiety symptoms.

Follow this link for more on anxiety disorder,panic attacks

Anxiety: Fear Is The Foundation

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles

www.KickFear.com

Anxiety has a foundation and that foundation is fear. Fear is generally part of the human condition. We all have fears. It's what we do about our fears that counts.

If you were to examine most of your fears or phobias, you might find that most, if realized, are not life threatening. Although the anxiety that follows fear evokes a feeling of impending doom, it is often a false message from the brain.

Here is a well-known and often repeated acronym to assist in facing fear (author unknown):

Fear is . . .

False

Evidence

Appearing

Real

Most of our fears, phobias and anxiety have little to no ability to truly harm us.

Take a look at your anxiety and fears. Determine how some of these false messages have interfered with your life. Life is short. No need to waste precious time while suffering with a lack of freedom. You can reduce your anxiety by learning the right strategies. It just takes a little effort and courage.

Get help now!

Follow this link for more on fear and anxiety treatment

OCD Strikes Celebrities

OCD has been discussed in the media quite a lot these days. In fact, more and more celebrities seem to be bravely coming forward and sharing their own struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

This is great news as it can help reduce the stigma of anxiety disorders while encouraging those who suffer with OCD to get help.

For an interesting article on celebrities with OCD, copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/charlize-billy-bob-dicaprio-celebrities-ocd/story?id=8736076

OCD is a common disorder, though one that most people are afraid to share for fear that they'll be judged or misunderstood. After A&E's show OBSESSED (if you missed it, you can see some clips of my episodes as a psychologist cast member at A&E's website www.aetv.com), it seems public awareness has grown.

Hopefully this trend will continue, so that more will be inspired to seek treatment rather than suffer in silence.

Follow this link for more on OCD treatment.