Anxiety Disorders: Introduction (03:39)

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Individuals share their experiences with anxiety. It is a physiological response to danger, but can become debilitating. It affects one sixth of Americans at some point in our lives. This program will examine panic with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder.

Panic Disorder (02:36)

Dr. Dennis Shulman discusses Paula, a patient suffering panic attacks. Individuals share their experiences with panic attacks.

Agoraphobia (03:47)

The fear of having panic attacks can lead people to avoid situations or things they cannot control. Individuals discuss how the disorder has limited their lives.

Agoraphobia Coping Mechanisms (05:38)

Many patients require a companion when leaving home, should a panic attack occur. Doctors Alan Goldstein and Linda Welsh run a treatment program using cognitive behavioral techniques and diet modification, such as caffeine omission. Hear advantages and disadvantages of medication.

Agoraphobia Clinic: Week One (02:37)

Participants share feelings about fear of traveling in a city. Goldstein and Welsh train Mary in cognitive behavioral techniques to handle her anxiety. She rides an escalator and reflects on her distrust of people.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (03:30)

Individuals share their experience of chronic, diffuse, and excessive worry. Many patients have trouble sleeping and become dependent on tranquilizers.

Diagnosing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (03:53)

LaVerne shares her experience seeking help for GAD. Many patients present with physical symptoms; Dr. Teresa Quinn discusses the importance of recognizing the condition.

Anxiety Disorder Causal Factors (04:00)

Some psychologists believe childhood experiences influence panic and agoraphobia. Biological constitution, personality development, and current life stress are also factors.

Anxiety Disorder Case Studies (07:25)

Shulman demonstrates constitutional vulnerability, childhood history, personality development, and life stressors through Paula's panic disorder, Phil's obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Maria's hypochondriasis. LaVerne's chronic anxiety began after her mother's death.

Anxiety Disorder Treatments (06:38)

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for anxiety. Psychodynamically based psychotherapy uses insight to uncover unconscious conflicts; cognitive behavioral psychotherapy uses re-learning techniques to change behavior and automatic thought processes. View sessions in progress.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment (02:58)

GAD is difficult to treat, as a chronic condition. LaVerne has had success with cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and Xanax.

Agoraphobia Clinic: Week Two (03:31)

Through cognitive behavioral therapy, participants have begun facing their fears, although they still have panic attacks.

Controversy over Medication (03:17)

Some anti-anxiety medications are addictive; benzodiazepines may be dangerous for pregnancy. Relapse is likely without additional psychotherapy. Hear scenarios for prescribing medication.

Managing Anxiety Disorders (02:14)

Patients share how therapy and treatments have improved their lives.

Credits: Anxiety Disorders (01:22)

Credits: Anxiety Disorders