Anxiety Disorders

What are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety is a normal human emotion. It enables us to prepare
for certain kinds of stress and to cope with possible danger.

For many people, however, anxiety becomes excessive, prolonged
and distressing. When it interferes with everyday life, we
refer to it as an anxiety disorder.

• Shortness of Breath
• Heart Palpitations
• Lightheadedness
• Hot or Cold Flashes
• Butterflies in the Stomach
• Bowel or Bladder Urgency

What are the Major Types of Anxiety Disorders?

Panic Disorder consists of sudden, unexpected
physical sensations, such as heart palpitations, hot or cold
flashes, dizziness and feelings of unreality.

Phobia involves avoidance of feared situations
such as elevators, airplanes, driving or crowded places.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder includes
repetitive anxious thoughts and actions such as fear of
contamination and excessive cleaning or checking.

• Concentration Difficulty
• Avoidance of Activities
• Stress-related Physical Symptoms
• Impaired Relationships

How Can Treatment Help?

Our experience with anxiety teaches us that good treatment
begins with a thorough understanding of each individual.

We take time to understand all the factors that may be related
to a person’s experience of anxiety.

Once we determine the nature and source of the anxiety, treatment
is individually tailored. For many patients, counseling is
provided which focuses on gaining personal insight and on
working toward practical goals. Useful behavioral strategies
are often taught. The goal of treatment is to improve the
individual’s ability to cope.

In the end, everyone would rather say that they, not their
anxiety, are in control.