Treating Anxiety disorders
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions marked by excessive fear or worry. They can be devastating for those who have them—if left untreated, having an anxiety disorder can drastically reduce your quality of life. At Neurish, our Orange County treatment center, we offer clinically-backed, lasting recovery for anxiety of all types.
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Which Anxiety Disorders Do We Treat?
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria. People with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and rapid heartbeat, as well as ongoing feelings of apprehension or dread. These feelings can be overwhelming and can interfere with a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.
At Neurish, we treat many types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday events and activities. People with GAD may worry about things like work, school, health, and relationships and find it difficult to control their worries. Symptoms of GAD can include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is marked by intense fear and anxiety in social situations. People with SAD may fear being judged or evaluated by others and may avoid social situations as a result. Symptoms of SAD can include blushing, sweating, trembling, and difficulty speaking.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can often co-occur with other mental health conditions. Some of the most common co-occurring disorders for anxiety disorders include:
- Depression: Depression is a common co-occurring disorder for anxiety disorders. People with anxiety and depression may experience symptoms such as persistent sadness, lack of motivation, and changes in appetite. Treatment for depression may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors, such as hand-washing or counting, to alleviate their anxiety. Treatment for OCD may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. People with PTSD may experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of triggers related to the traumatic event. Treatment for PTSD may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
- Substance use disorders: Substance use disorders can often co-occur with anxiety disorders. People with anxiety disorders may use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. Treatment for substance use disorders may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both and may also involve addressing the underlying anxiety disorder.
It’s important to note that having a co-occurring disorder can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. For example, people with anxiety and depression may require different types of treatments than those with anxiety alone. Our treatment centers in Orange County, California are equipped to provide comprehensive care for individuals with both anxiety disorders and co-occurring conditions.
Struggling with your mental health? We can help.
Get Help Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it’s important to seek help. With the right treatment, anxiety disorders can be effectively managed, allowing you to live a full and healthy life. Contact our luxury treatment centers today to find out how we can help.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions that lead to excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry. These disorders alter how a person processes emotions and behave, also causing physical symptoms. Mild anxiety might be vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety may seriously affect day-to-day living.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and agoraphobia. Each type has unique symptoms and triggers but shares the common element of excessive, irrational fear and dread.
What causes anxiety disorders?
The exact cause of anxiety disorders isn’t fully understood. Contributing factors include genetic backgrounds, brain chemistry, and life events. People with a family history of anxiety and other mental disorders are more likely to experience conditions of their own.
How do panic attacks relate to anxiety disorders?
Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear that trigger severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. They can be very frightening and can affect anyone, though they are particularly common among people with panic disorder, a specific type of anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?
Symptoms of anxiety disorders vary depending on the type of disorder but commonly include persistent worry, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness, and trouble concentrating. People with anxiety disorders might avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also experience physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.
Can anxiety disorders be treated with medication?
Yes, anti-anxiety medications can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety disorders. These treatments are often most effective when combined with other treatments like psychotherapy. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to choose the right medication and manage potential side effects.
How do anxiety symptoms impact daily life?
Anxiety symptoms can worsen over time and can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. This is especially true for people with anxiety disorders who may find their symptoms become worse under stress.
What is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)?
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research.
How can anxiety and depression be managed together?
Many people with anxiety disorders may also suffer from depression. The treatment of both conditions should be integrated and might include medications, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).
World Health Organization. (2023). Anxiety disorders.
American Psychiatric Association. (2023). What are Anxiety Disorders?