Poison ivy is not contagious and is not spread like an infectious disease from person to person. However, it can spread if the oily chemical on one person's skin is touched by another person. Even if the oil is on a person's skin or clothing, anyone who comes in contact with the irritant may develop symptoms.
(Watching Hannibal in action can give anyone anxiety!). Burt Reynolds, Kim Basinger, Nicole Kidman and Sir Laurence Olivier are just a few actors who have also suffered anxiety disorder issues. Yes, just about anyone can have trouble with anxiety, feel panicky sometimes or even have full blown panic attacks in public.
In the Age of Anxiety. Pamela Wiegartz, Ph.D., is the Director of CBT Services and Training in the Department of Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital and on faculty at Harvard Medical School. Kevin Gyoerkoe, Psy.D., is the co-author of 10 Simple Solutions to Worry as well as The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook.