London Attacks Raise Psychological Anticipatory Anxiety Symptoms, Says Trauma Psychologist
Fear of the future can be more unsettling than the trauma and depression resulting from past events. We're too anxious even to be depressed, says a leading trauma Expert.
(PRWEB) July 24, 2005 -- Uncertainty about the possibility of future acts of
terrorism breeds fear and a new type of anxiety not seen in past
disasters.
According to trauma psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D.,
psychologists have labeled this as, "anticipatory anxiety."
During this
period of uncertainty, in a psychological sense, "It's what we don't know and
fantasize about that can hurt us," he said. "The adage, 'The only fear is fear
itself,' rings true, especially in this case... Fantasy breeds fear."
Butterworth adds, "With all the talk and speculation of future terrorist
actions involving everything from biological to chemical agents it's no wonder
that the fear of the future can be more unsettling than the trauma and
depression resulting from past events."
Terrorist psychology as a method
of societal destabilization is more concerned with the perception of reality
rather than reality itself. Thus it's not surprising that "Anticipatory Anxiety"
-- fear of what one may fantasize could occur as a result of terrorist actions
-- can be more psychologically damaging to a society than the actual reality
that does unfold, Butterworth said. This is why people are not riding the
metros, canceling vacations, not flying, or afraid of being assembled in large
groups.
The trauma psychologist believes that in order to win this
psychological battle of fear it's important for people not to get swept up in
unsubstantiated rumors of doom.
"(Do not) panic and give in to hysteria,"
Butterworth said. "The reality is that we're angry and scared but going to work.
Children are nervous but going to school. We're not hiding in our homes but
starting to get back on planes and the stock market has stabilized. --
Remembering that the psychological goals of the terrorists were not just to
topple our buildings but destroy our way of life."
Contact
information:
Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D. International Trauma Associates;
P.O. Box 76477; Los Angeles, Calif., Telephone (213) 487-7339 (24 hours), FAX:
(213) 477-2340
Psychologist and media commentator, Robert R. Butterworth,
Ph.D., has assisted radio, TV, and print media since 1984 find answers and
provide insight to enhance understanding of psychological issues on a variety of
topics. Dr. Butterworth has conducted extensive surveys focused on children and
youth, social, political and trauma issues. His comments, observations and op-ed
articles have appeared in most of the major newspapers in the United States and
worldwide. He is seen quite often on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX and CNN network news
especially during monumental events such as violence, disasters and youth
tragedies and psychological reactions to breaking news and human event
stories.
Within hours of the Sept. 11th disaster trauma psychologist and
media commentator Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D., was giving ongoing psychological
commentary to a traumatized nation. During those crucial days he was called upon
almost daily on MSNBC. He also appeared frequently on CNN, CBS, NBC and Fox
Network television conveying psychological hope to our nation. He remarks on
this crisis were also quoted in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los
Angeles Times and the Associated Press.
Appearances also include ABC's
Nightline, and This Week, CNN's Larry King Live, NBC's, Oprah, Dateline NBC, and
Good Morning America. CBS This Morning, The O'Reilly, Factor, Extra and
Entertainment Tonight and many network talk and news programs. He is also
featured as a psychology expert in various documentaries seen on Discovery,
History, E -Entertainment and the Learning Channel. Dr Butterworth also serves
as a psychology expert for public relations organizations and is a past
consultant for a national Magazine. In addition Dr Butterworth recently had a
cameo spot in a major motion picture, "Kate and Leopold," with Meg Ryan and
Michael Moore's "Bowling For Columbine."
Qualifications:
Board
Certified Traumatic Stress, Diplomate; American Academy of Experts in Traumatic
Stress.
Board Certified Diplomate Fellow in Forensic Sciences; International
College of Prescribing Psychologists.
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist
Certification: American Board for the Accreditation and Certification of
Psychoanalysis, N.Y.
Psychologist License: State of
California.
Member:
American Psychological Association / Division of
Media Psychology.
California Psychological Association
National
Accreditation Association of Psychoanalysis.
International Association of
Trauma Counselors.
Biographical Information Included in:
Who's Who of
Emerging Leaders in America.
Who's Who in the World.
Who's Who in Science
and Industry.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb264899.htm