Recent crises spawn a wave of pitches from businesses cashing in on anxiety.(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ Feeling anxious? Don't feel alone.

The uncertainty in the wake of Sept. 11 has spawned a stream of pills, potions, books and security gear, all targeting our fears and wallets.

"People are scared and want protection, whether it works or not," says Eric Shaw, chairman of Florida Atlantic University's marketing department. "Yes, it helps business and, yes, it helps alleviate people's fears. It's American capitalism at its best _ and worst."

It's no wonder businesses are tapping into our shaken psyches. We've had one crisis after another since Sept. 11. After the attacks on the World Trade Center we learned the terrorists were our South Florida neighbors. Then the war started. Then the deadly anthrax hit and spread.

The U.S. postmaster general has warned Americans to wash their hands after opening mail. Halloween, a spooky holiday in the best of times, is upon us.

"We barely recover from one bit of information, and another is put upon us so quickly we don't have time to recover," says Janet Lord, director of …