Obsessive-Compulsive

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by anxious thoughts and uncontrollable ritualistic behavior: obsessions are the anxious thoughts and compulsions are the rituals used to dispel those thoughts. An example of an obsession would be cleanliness and fear of germs. The compulsion associated with this obsession would be excessive hand washing. No pleasure is derived from performing the rituals; rather, the rituals provide only temporary relief. OCD appears to afflict men and women equally, and approximately one in fifty people may experience some sort of obsessive-compulsive behavior. Onset is typically in early adulthood, although it may occur in childhood or adolescence.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of intense fear that appear suddenly, often without warning and with varying frequency. Symptoms of panic disorder include chest pains, heart palpitations, sweating palms, dizziness, shortness of breath, a sense of unreality, or an uncontrollable fear of death. Panic disorder affects between three and six million Americans and is twice as likely to occur in women. Onset may occur at any age but generally begins in early adulthood.