Ask the Therapist
Exaggerated Startle Response
I have always been extremely jumpy at the tiniest noise or if a
person
appears suddenly I jump out of my skin. It is very embarrassing. I am under
no medical or psychology doctor's care or ever have been and on no
medication of any kind. I am 47 years old, married to a great man and do not
have many worries. Any suggestions?
This is called an 'exaggerated startle response'. It
can issue from a
number of different sources, both physical and psychological. My
suggestion
is that you first consult your GP, then look into counseling with someone
who specializes in anxiety, and possibly traumatic stress. You might want
to look into EMDR, which is form of hypno therapy, and quite effective for
decreasing anxiety-related symptoms.
