What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Some anxiety or worry is a part of life for everyone. Almost everyone worries about things that are important to them sometimes. Relationships, money, debt, career and education are frequent sources of this type of anxiety. Most people are able to manage these worries, at least to the degree that they don’t become overwhelming or incapacitating. When resolution or compromise is found, the anxiety subsides.
An anxiety disorder is a condition beyond the ordinary worries of everyday life that ebb and flow. When someone has an anxiety disorder, their feelings of anxiety are an almost constant companion, they may be intense and out of proportion. Anxiety disorders often become worse over time without treatment, unlike ordinary anxiety. They often interfere with everyday life in many ways.
Some people with anxiety disorders experience chronic worry that never seems to subside, yet doesn’t seem to have a specific cause. Others may be troubled with unwanted recurring thoughts or social phobias which make functioning in the world difficult. Some people develop an anxiety disorder after particularly traumatic events. This is known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
The 5 Major Categories of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Phobia
Why Reconnect is the Right Choice for Anxiety Treatment
Trauma is frequently found at the root of most anxiety disorders. The emphasis on trauma treatment at Reconnect makes our programs especially effective for people seeking anxiety treatment. The innovative trauma-focused treatment at Reconnect can help people with anxiety disorders understand and process the root causes of their condition.
Anxiety treatment at Reconnect is evidence-based and practical, but delivered with warmth and compassion. The skilled clinicians at Reconnect are invested in the long-term recovery of all of our clients. Our goal is to not only provide relief during treatment, but to give you the tools to continue progress and growth long after you complete our program.
Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment is dedicated to helping people overcome mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders and learn to manage their conditions. Under the leadership of renowned trauma specialist, Dr. Karol Darsa Psy.D. we provide intensive, transformational treatment for anxiety, depression and other disorders.
Mental health treatment is often the best way to both understand and manage an anxiety disorder. Understanding the roots of your anxiety condition and being equipped with the right tools and techniques to manage it can transform your life.
There is a way forward. We know that It takes courage to seek help. The team of caring professionals here at Reconnect are ready to help you or your loved one make a change and begin to gain control of an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders may present in many different forms. The most commonly diagnosed forms are defined below.
5 Common Forms of Anxiety Disorder:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most common type of anxiety condition. GAD is characterized by persistent, excessive and unreasonable worry about everyday things.
People with GAD often find it difficult to control their worrying and experience physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbances.
GAD can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life if left untreated. Treatment for GAD at Reconnect includes intensive individual and group therapy and deep trauma work. Peer-reviewed research has shown that childhood trauma is often a primary factor in Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects the way an individual thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions).
People with OCD experience persistent thoughts, images, or impulses that are unwanted and cause distress or anxiety. These thoughts can be extremely intrusive and difficult to control, leading to feelings of intense distress and anxiety.
People may also experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or increased heart rate. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or rituals that people with OCD feel the need to carry out in order to reduce their anxiety caused by the obsessive thoughts
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety that causes overwhelming fear and panic attacks. Symptoms of panic disorder can include racing heart, chest pain, difficulty breathing, trembling or shaking, feeling faint or dizzy, sweating profusely, numbness in the hands and feet, nausea or upset stomach, depersonalization/derealization, hot flashes or chills, and fear of impending doom.
Panic attacks typically come on suddenly and can last for several minutes at a time. Having panic disorder can be very difficult to live with. It can cause a person to feel constantly anxious and have intense physical symptoms that are often misinterpreted as signs of illness or something else.
Panic disorder can lead to avoidance of situations and activities that may trigger an attack, resulting in limitations on everyday activities and overall quality of life. It can also lead to relationship issues as well as difficulty sleeping or concentrating at work or school.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts and memories, nightmares, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feeling on edge, irritability, increased startle responses and avoidance of anything associated with the trauma.
These symptoms can have a significant effect on daily life. People with PTSD may find it hard to go about their day-to-day activities, such as working or studying, and relationships can suffer if the symptoms are not effectively managed.
People with PTSD often experience feelings of guilt or shame and may struggle with self-esteem issues. As well, they may feel disconnected from others and have difficulty controlling their emotions. The mental health professionals at Reconnect are uniquely qualified to treat PTSD, in large part due to our focus on trauma resolution.
Social Phobia
Social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause significant distress and disruption in a persons life. People with social phobia experience intense fear or worry about being judged by others, feeling embarrassed or humiliated in front of others, and being rejected or criticized.
As a result, they may avoid certain situations such as public speaking, talking to strangers, or attending large social gatherings. They may also experience physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty speaking.
These feelings of fear can be so strong that they interfere with daily activities and prevent people from engaging in relationships or pursuing their goals and dreams. The trauma-first approach we utilize at Reconnect can help people with social phobia manage their symptoms effectively
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that involves intense fear and avoidance of any place or situation that may cause feelings of helplessness, panic, or embarrassment. Common agoraphobia symptoms include fear of open spaces, crowded areas, public transportation, enclosed spaces, and leaving the safety of one’s home.
People living with agoraphobia may also experience physical symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, nausea, and fear of dying. Living with agoraphobia can be very challenging, as it can prevent people from living a normal life. Fear of leaving the house or participating in social activities can lead to isolation and difficulty maintaining relationships or employment.
Agoraphobics may also avoid medical care or treatment due to fear of having a panic attack in public. There is plenty of reason for hope for those who suffer from agoraphobia though. At Reconnect, we help people with agoraphobia recognize and manage their fear responses, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a feeling of intense fear or distress that arises when someone becomes separated from their loved ones. It can arise in children and adults alike, but it’s more often seen in children. It usually begins around the age of 6 months, peaks at around 18 months, and gradually diminishes between 5 and 7 years of age. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include persistent crying, extreme clinginess, nightmares, refusal to sleep alone, and fear of being away from home.
Separation anxiety can have a significant impact on someone’s life. It can be difficult for children to separate from parents or primary caregivers if the attachment is strong and the child experiences distress when apart.
This can make it difficult for children to adjust to new situations, like school or daycare, and may hinder their social development. In adults, separation anxiety can cause feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and fear. It can lead to depression and relationship problems if not addressed. Fortunately, separation anxiety is treatable with therapy and lifestyle changes.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. For example, the fear of clowns (coulrophobia) is an example of a specific phobia. Having a specific phobia can be an incredibly difficult and debilitating experience. Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of certain objects or situations that interfere with the person’s ability to function in everyday life.
This fear is typically accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid breathing, nausea, faintness and a racing heart rate. People with a specific phobia often go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation they fear.
This can severely limit their ability to participate in activities that are part of normal life, such as going to school or work, and engaging in social activities. In more severe cases, it may even prevent someone from leaving their home. At Reconnect, we are very familiar with specific phobias and have an array of effective, evidence-based therapies that can help people gain the upper hand on their anxiety so it no longer disrupts their life.
Healing Begins When You Reconnect
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or shows symptoms, the team at Reconnect wants to help. No one deserves to live with an untreated or undertreated mental health disorder. Treatment for anxiety disorders is more effective today than ever before. The help you and your loved ones deserve is just a phone call away.
Contact us at: (310) 713-6739
