Treating Anxiety, Phobias and
Panic Disorders
Anxious feelings are common and often occur in every one of us.
Taking a test, interviewing for a job, or dealing with a problem at home are all
challenging situations that might cause fear, anxiety, and nervousness. These are normal
responses that sharpen awareness and help prepare us for these situations.
But when these feelings interfere with daily activities, they become a serious problem
-- called an anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias are all types of anxiety
disorders. Although the intensity and pattern of symptoms are somewhat different for each of
these conditions, anxiety is common to all of them.
It's important to remember that anxiety disorders are medical conditions that can be
treated.
Identifying anxiety disorders
Many people with anxiety disorders do not seek treatment because they don't
think their symptoms can be treated. In addition, they might fear what others might think of them if
they seek treatment. As a result, anxiety disorders can go undetected for long periods of
time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms described in this
document, it
is important to seek help so proper treatment can be started.
Generalized anxiety disorder
People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have excessive levels
of emotional and physical distress. People with GAD cannot relax or stop worrying.
Symptoms of general anxiety disorder include:
- Physical symptoms for which no organic cause can be found, such as:
-- Headaches
-- Backaches
-- Stomach problems
-- Difficulty swallowing
-- Pounding heart
-- Shortness of breath
-- Need to urinate often
-- Dizziness
-- Nausea
-- Hot or cold flashes
-- Dry mouth
-- Trembling
-- Muscle tension
- Being easily fatigued or having no energy
- Feelings of helplessness, restlessness, feeling on edge or "keyed up"
- Difficulty concentrating and having periods of "going blank"
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or restless,
unsatisfying sleep
The symptoms of GAD can be overwhelming and can lead to difficulties at work, and with
friends and family.
Phobias
A phobia is a persistent, intense, and unreasonable fear of a specific object or
situation. Phobias cause reactions and anxiety symptoms that result in an avoidance of
objects or situations in which the phobia is triggered. As a result, the person's daily
functioning at work, in social situations, and with families and friends can be severely
disrupted.
Phobias can include fears of:
- High places/heights (acrophobia)
- Being in places or situations in which escape might be difficult, such as in a crowd
(agoraphobia)
- Enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)
- Leaving home (agoraphobia)
- Being watched or humiliated while doing something in front of others (social phobia)
- Specific objects
- Traveling on a bus, train, airplane, or in a car
Panic disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by repeated, unexpected, sudden, and intense
fear or discomfort that is not based on a real threat.
Often mistaken for serious physical problems, symptoms of a panic attack can include:
- Heart palpitations and pounding or racing heart
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Sensations of smothering or shortness of breath
- Choking feeling
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Chills or hot flushes
People experiencing panic attacks often fear they are dying. When panic attacks begin
to occur with some frequency, the person might begin to avoid situations in which an
attack could be triggered. Such avoidant behaviors can severely restrict the person's work
and personal activities.
How we can help
Often associated with depression, effective treatment of anxiety disorders
requires careful diagnosis and
multidisciplinary treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, and related depression are
treatable problems. In combination with medicines, treatment generally includes
teaching individuals
struggling with an anxiety disorder new ways of managing symptoms and changing behavior
patterns to reduce symptoms.
Reducing the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, and/or phobias doesn't have to take
years. Your health care provider can intervene with proven techniques to bring about change in a
matter of weeks.
Assessment: The first step to successful treatment begins with a comprehensive
assessment of the patient's condition. Information is gathered about the patient's
symptoms, life stressors, and physical problems, as well as when the symptoms started and how the
symptoms have been handled to date. The patient's family background, medical history, and
other important information will also be evaluated.
Treatment: Next, an individualized treatment plan is developed.
While medicine is often an important component of treatment, the combination of
behavioral therapy and other treatment methods along with medicine has proven to be
highly productive in reducing the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
An anxiety disorders treatment team
In many cases, a multidisciplinary team is involved and committed to providing comprehensive care in a
compassionate setting. The team includes psychiatrists, psychologists specializing in
biofeedback and stress management, and clinical social workers.
The team addresses the complex needs of individuals struggling with the symptoms of anxiety
disorders in a supportive and structured way. Such an approach can help patients reclaim
their lives.
In addition, financial counselors are often available to help with questions
about insurance coverage. Many health benefit plans will cover the cost of an
evaluation and treatment for anxiety disorders.
With appropriate
assessment and
treatment, individuals
with anxiety disorders can get significant relief
from their symptoms.
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