Anxiety Disorders
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What Is Anxiety?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders affect about 40 million adults each year. The cause and degree of anxiety can be confusing because everyone feels anxious from time to time. Unlike nervousness precipitated by a stressful situation like a job interview, illness, or speaking in public, anxiety disorders can be all-consuming and can last up to six months or longer if left untreated.
The difference between a common case of the nerves and a clinical diagnosis of anxiety is that clinical anxiety can be severe and debilitating. One of the most frightening symptoms of anxiety disorders is commonly referred to as “panic attacks.” These episodes can occur out of nowhere, even while an individual is sleeping. Sometimes the person experiencing the attack may hyperventilate, feel a painful sensation in the chest, and feel like they’re dying.
Most people who have an anxiety disorder will often have an accompanying diagnosis like depression or a substance use disorder. Anxiety disorders are rarely the sole diagnosis in a person’s mental health history. That’s why it’s vital to seek help from a trained professional who can accurately diagnose all the accompanying conditions and prescribe the right course of treatment.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
- Heightened startle response
- Chest pains
- Abdominal pains
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Feeling smothered
- Depression and suicidal feelings
- Inability to relax/stop worrying
- Racing heart
- Flushing
- Severe shyness
- Worrying about unlikely events
- Concentration problems
- Light-headedness/dizziness
- Feelings of impending doom
- Fear of losing control
- Neck and facial numbness
- Agoraphobia
- Compulsive habits
Note: Because these symptoms don’t always indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder, please contact your physician or mental health treatment provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
No matter what symptoms one might be experiencing, anxiety is treatable. At Lifeskills, our initial assessment helps us understand each client’s unique needs so we can customize a treatment program for them.
Anxiety disorders commonly occur along with other mental or physical illnesses that can mask anxiety and its symptoms, making them worse. In addition, people with anxiety disorders are more likely to use or abuse alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate to reduce their anxiety.
At our treatment centers, our skilled staff ensure that each client receives the best individualized care. Our combination of evidence-based treatments and mind/body therapies provides the best chance of sustaining long-term recovery from even the most severe cases of anxiety.
Interested in learning more about Lifeskills treatment for anxiety disorders?
Call us at 866.321.9430 or fill out our contact form.
