An article in today's Press, with my comments...

Binghamton University clinic offers help Those afflicted by disorder often become isolated By Vanessa Ebbeling Press & Sun-Bulletin August 18, 2008 VESTAL -- Afraid you'll embarrass yourself in social situations? Fearful of being judged negatively by others? Anxious about speaking in front of a group? If you've answered "Yes" to any of these questions and the fear is hindering your quality of life, some researchers at Binghamton University might be able to help. A group of five clinicians at the Binghamton Anxiety Clinic at Binghamton University study and treat anxiety disorders, including social phobias, a condition that affects 15 million adults in the United States. Social anxiety disorder causes intense fear of embarrassment or being considered inadequate by others and can prompt those suffering from it to isolate themselves. "It's very debilitating," said BU doctoral student Casey Schofield. "In the most extreme cases of this, (patients) are really not leaving their house much." A new study under way at the clinic, part of BU's psychology department, aims to uncover how social anxiety disorder perpetuates, researchers said. The theory behind the research is that people with social anxiety inaccurately read other people's expressions. Usually, it's because they're focusing on features -- such as hair or noses -- that don't reveal how a person is reacting. Most people typically look at eyes and mouths to gauge reactions. Those with social anxiety also might avoid looking at faces altogether or focus only on expressions that project negativity. "They just kind of assume people are judging them negatively," said Meredith Coles, director of the Anxiety Clinic. To measure the hypothesis, Schofield will use an eye-tracking machine to pinpoint what part of the face patients are focusing on. Researchers hope the data will help clinicians treat patients by teaching them different ways to interact with others. Social anxiety disorders range in scope and in severity. A person with the disorder might have a specific fear, such as public speaking, that forces him or her to turn down a promotion. In more severe cases, a person might be terrified to leave home and might avoid dating or working. Other common feared situations include starting conversations, asking questions at a store or talking to authority figures. The fear is intense and causes people to worry about the situation beforehand and possibly to avoid it altogether. Physical symptoms such as heart pounding and difficulty breathing may occur. To help patients get over their fears, clinicians ask that they begin encountering some frightening situations. A patient might be sent to Wegmans to find broccoli rabe -- an uncommon vegetable -- which might mean asking a clerk where it's located. Faux parties might be staged, or patients might be asked to give a speech to a small group. Getting people into treatment is often a barrier, however, since those with social anxiety are reluctant to reach out for help. Clinicians assert the disorder is treatable, and that with therapy people can enjoy more fulfilling lives. The anxiety center provides assessments for $50. The cost of treatment varies based on a person's income and dependents, and can be as low as $15 per session.

JONATHAN COHEN / Binghamton University Doctoral student Casey Schofield, right, who is studying psychology at Binghamton University, fits a subject with an apparatus that measures eye movements based on corneal reflection as part of a study of anxiety disorders. About the disorder Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a fear of embarrassment or being judged negatively by others. The fear is intense and causes people to worry about the situation beforehand and possibly to avoid it altogether. Physical symptoms such as heart pounding and difficulty breathing may occur. For more information on the Binghamton Anxiety Clinic, call 777-5006 or visit http://anxiety.binghamton.edu.

bhuston wrote: I'd develop an anxiety disorder if I had to put my head inside that machine! PS: This little joke is to point out just how MESSED UP Western Medicine is. I've written extensively about how the methods used by Western doctors to treat cancer embody the principles which CAUSE cancer. (duality, materialism, analysis again: Creating some monstrous machine to measure eye movements allegedly to help "treat anxiety" is utterly laughable, especially when one gets the bill :) Capitalism, Industry, Commercialism, Profit, Banks, analysis, reductionism, dualism, science, materialism, clocks, measurements, machines Guess what really causes anxiety and disease ?? !!! Want a cure for these things? Go for a walk in the woods. Sleep outside under the stars. Study yoga. Breath deeply. Smell flowers. Slow Down! Eat mostly plant-based food. Notice the largeness, uniqueness, and perfection of ordinary experience. Try to see oneness instead of separateness. See yourself as perfect. 8/18/2008 10:36:32 AM