July 22, 2005 04:07 PM US Eastern Timezone

London Attacks Raise Psychological Anticipatory Anxiety Symptoms, Says Trauma Psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2005--

Uncertainty concerning future acts of terrorism breeds fear and a new type of anxiety not seen in past disasters -- "Anticipatory anxiety," according to trauma psychologist Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D. During this period of uncertainty, in a psychological sense, "It's what we don't know and fantasize about that can hurt us. The adage, 'The only fear is fear itself,' rings true, especially in this case...Fantasy breeds fear."

Dr. 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, says Dr. Butterworth. 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: "Not to panic and give in to hysteria. 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."

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. His remarks on this crisis were also quoted in Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times and the Associated Press.

(25/7/05)