The amygdala is an almond-shaped set of neurons located deep in the brain’s medial temporal lobe. Shown to play a key role in the processing of emotions, the amygdala forms part of the limbic system. Conditions such as anxiety, autism, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and phobias are suspected of being linked to abnormal functioning of the amygdala. (Science Daily)

As opposed to feeling anxiety, an anxiety disorder disrupts day to day life and prevents people from doing things they usually enjoy. Anxiety disorders occur when a reaction is out of proportion to what might normally be expected in a situation. A person with an anxiety disorder is described as “having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns”. (American Psychological Association)

CBT is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns including:

• Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
• Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
• Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
• Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence is one’s own abilities.  

(American Psychological Association)

A psychological treatment that was developed to help people confront their fears. When people are fearful of something, they tend to avoid the feared objects, activities or situations. In this form of therapy, psychologists create a safe environment in which to “expose” individuals to the things they fear and avoid. The exposure to the feared objects, activities or situations in a safe environment helps reduce fear and decrease avoidance. (American Psychological Association)

The fight-or-flight response refers to a physiological reaction that occurs when we are in the presence of something that is mentally or physically terrifying. The fight-or-flight response is triggered by the release of hormones that prepare your body to either stay and deal with a threat or to run away to safety. (VeryWellMind)

Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever one is doing at  that moment, free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. (Headspace)

An anxiety condition in which a person is plagued by unwanted thoughts, images or impulses (called obsessions) that he/she attempts to fend off or neutralize by performing compulsions (ritualized or repeated behaviors).

Characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror that sometimes strike repeatedly and without warning. People experiencing a panic attack often mistake them for a heart attack because of the powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, sweaty hands, shortness of breath and stomach upset.

We all have certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or fearful. But a person with a phobia experiences strong, irrational fear over certain places, objects or events.

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex covering the front part of the frontal lobe. This brain region is instrumental in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making, and moderating social behavior. (Science of Psychotherapy)

Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. (MayoClinic)

Characterized by high levels of anxiety when separated from a person or place that provides feelings of security or safety. Separation sometimes results in panic symptoms. It is considered a disorder when the response is excessive or inappropriate after separation.

More than shyness, a person with social anxiety disorder has intense fear over social interactions, causing them to withdraw and not participate. Often people who suffer from this are very concerned about being judged.