Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure, sweating, trembling, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns and begin to avoid certain situations out of worry.
Adapted from the Encyclopedia of Psychology
There are a variety of anxiety disorders that can differ considerably according to a multitude of varying factors. Effective therapy is tailored to meet each individual’s need to help overcome specific challenges. It is an important part of the process that you are listened to carefully in therapy to gain a more accurate and complete understanding of your concerns and experiences to create a treatment plan tailored specifically for you needs.
Additional Resources
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/therapy-for-anxiety-disorders.htm
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454
Evaluation/Assessment
An easy to use, online comprehensive intake process that helps you list presenting challenges, medical history and reasons for seeking guidance. The initial intake helps begin the process of discovery with your therapist/clinician. Clinical evaluation tools are utilized to help identity key features, or symptoms, for anxiety. Factors such as biological, psychological and social/environmental information is also gathered to help identify specific needs. Additional information gathered during the initial assessment will help us form a tailored treatment plan together, based upon your individual needs.
To help diagnose an anxiety disorder, we will:
- Ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history during the intake process.
- Ensure you have support from a medical provider, if required, to look for signs that your anxiety may be linked to medications or an underlying medical condition
- Use psychological questionnaires to help determine a diagnosis
- Use the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely-used and accepted form of therapy for anxiety and anxiety related disorders. CBT is effective in the treatment of panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, among many other conditions.
A comprehensive approach is integral to overcoming anxiety. Obtaining a greater understanding of the condition may not resolve your fear, but a deeper understanding can help provide you with confidence to apply new skills in therapy. You will learn relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, diet and exercise all have a role to play to managing stress. Routine exercise is “nature’s medicine” and can substantially reduce the overall impact.
Many times, the difficultly with treating depression and anxiety is counterintuitive. What will typically help the most, is what will be avoided. Many people learn to avoid their fear or stressor that causes them discomfort. However, avoidance typically creates greater challenges over time.
