The Anxiety Reaction In some cases the anxiety reaction can be constructive, for example when it concerns getting a job done to a time limit. The body reacts by secreting adrenaline which increases heart beat, blood pressure, breathing rate and muscle action: the job gets done quickly. When the problem causing anxiety is less specific the anxiety symptoms which appear are more difficult to cope with. They are of little help with the problem in hand, and in order to alleviate them the source of anxiety ;must be identified and then dealt with.

Preventing Anxiety Face problems head on as soon as you can; don't push them aside to be dealt with later.

• If you experience anxiety, make a list of potential problems in your life, however trivial. Bringing these into conscious memory will put you well on the way to solving them.

• Take plenty of exercise; swim, or go for a walk. Reorganize your office. Don't allow anxiety to affect your character, making you scratchy and doleful: you will regret the reaction and thus increase your anxiety.

• Since too much smoking, drinking and caffeine-containing drinks such as tea and hot chocolate can exacerbate or even induce anxiety symptoms, be moderate in their use.

• If your anxiety attacks persist, visit your doctor. He may prescribe tranquilizers or counseling: the former will suppress the symptoms while the latter will help reveal, and ultimately deal with, their cause.