WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?
People with anxiety disorders suffer from overwhelming feelings of worry, panic, or fear that interfere with their ability to function. Symptoms vary, but many who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder report:
- Feeling tense
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Increased heart rate
- A sense of impending doom
- Low energy
- Inability to focus
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Failure to concentrate on anything outside the worrisome problem
- An overwhelming desire to avoid anxiety-producing situations
Several anxiety disorders share a common symptom—an overwhelming feeling of worry or fear, which causes distress and difficulty functioning.
: What are anxiety disorders?
: Types of Anxiety Disorders
: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
: Panic Disorder
: Phobias
: Social Anxiety Disorder
: Treatment for Anxiety
TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Below are some of the more common anxiety disorders (though the list is not all-inclusive):
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
Is a persistent feeling of worry about everyday events and circumstances. The concerns can be disproportionate to the actual problems. Individuals with GAD report difficulty managing their symptoms. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can include:
- Tension
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Inability to focus
- Forgetfulness
- Stress-induced muscle pain (chronic backache, sore shoulders, etc.)
- Insomnia
PANIC DISORDER
It involves sudden, overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear, which can be both recurring and unpredictable. Though a panic attack often doesn’t last long, the experience is so frightening that individuals avoid potentially triggering situations. Symptoms can include:
- Hyperventilation
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Feeling disconnected from one’s surroundings
- A strong desire to flee
PHOBIAS
Phobias are overwhelming fear and anxiety related to specific situations, activities, people, animals, or things. The fear is out of proportion to any danger or risk. In some cases, the fear is limited to a specific something that is potentially avoidable, such as ophidiophobia, fear of snakes.
Phobias such as fear of heights (acrophobia) or crowds and situations where one may not be able to escape easily (agoraphobia) can significantly hinder a person from working, socializing, or participating in other activities most people enjoy.
Symptoms common to phobias include:
- Irrational fear
- Avoidance of the trigger which causes the fear
- Physical symptoms such as shaking, racing heart, nausea, and feeling panicked
Physical symptoms are similar to those experienced with panic disorder. However, unlike panic attacks, phobias have specific triggers.
SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Is an overwhelming fear of being judged, ridiculed, or otherwise rejected by others in social situations? Social Anxiety Disorder is more intense than ordinary shyness and can cause the sufferer to avoid social problems such as job interviews, social obligations, and performance situations. When the sufferer does participate in a feared social case, symptoms can be severe, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Blushing
- Blank mind
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Tension
Onset often occurs in the teenage years. This disorder frequently runs in families, although researchers have not determined whether its cause is genetic, environmental, or a combination of factors. Statistics show that over 15 million people in the United States suffer from SAD, a disorder that can affect a person’s entire life, preventing the sufferer from engaging in many social activities and professional occupations which involve interacting with people.
Many people with Social Anxiety Disorder do not seek help. However, this disorder, which hinders the sufferer from living a whole life and reaching their potential, responds well to treatment.
TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY DISORDER
At ASANTE, we recognize that the best treatment for anxiety disorders is individualized to each client’s unique experience. Some people suffer from more than one mental health condition, such as depression combined with social anxiety or panic disorder. Clients respond best when treatment involves a combination of appropriate medication and therapy and lifestyle modification.
Treatment at ASANTE begins with a comprehensive bio-psycho-social evaluation by a licensed clinician. After the initial assessment, an integrative and individualized treatment plan is implemented. We support each patient throughout treatment, closely monitoring their response to therapy to make adjustments where necessary.
We believe treatment should go beyond symptom reduction to help each patient achieve the best outcome and enjoy a truly healthy and fulfilling life. Our integrative treatment modalities can include activities like:
- Mindfulness practices
- Journaling
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Art
When you come to ASANTE for help with an anxiety disorder, our experienced and dedicated staff of licensed clinicians will guide you through treatment, helping you to go beyond symptom reduction to achieve your full potential for a balanced, healthy, and joyful life. Many people with anxiety disorders suffer for years before seeking treatment. But we are here to help.
For more information on how we can help support you in overcoming an anxiety disorder, please call ASANTE at 909.886.3322