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.
There are a number of anti-anxiety medications currently available. The preferred medications for most anxiety disorders are the benzodiazepines. In addition to the benzodiazepines, a non-benzodiazepine, buspirone (BuSpar), is used for generalized anxiety disorders. Antidepressants are also effective for panic attacks and some phobias and are often prescribed for these conditions.