Fear is 'prolonging the recession'

BRITONS are becoming increasingly fearful and anxious, making the economic crisis worse, health experts said today.

Figures show about 800,000 more people now suffer from anxiety disorders than in 1993. A spokesman for the Mental Health Foundation, which produced the report, said fear was partly driving the crisis.

He said: "Individuals and institutions - keen to protect themselves - are now too afraid to lend, spend and invest, despite the fact that these actions could assist in ending the recession."

Charity Anxiety UK reported a doubling of calls to its telephone helpline in the first two months of this year.

The report notes that people with anxiety are at increased risk of health problems, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and chronic respiratory disorders such as asthma.