Anxiety Disorders Service
"Offering state of the art treatment for the most common category of mental health problems in the U.S"
The Anxiety Disorders Service is a sub-specialty within the Behavioral Medicine section devoted to clinical care, research, and training in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders. Our mission is to contribute to the advancement of treatments for anxiety disorders through clinical research, emprically-based practice, and excellence in training of scientist-practioners in the field.
What are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are the nation's most common type of emotional problem. Nearly 25% of the American population will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 28 million people develop an anxiety disorder every year.
Anxiety disorders develop when a person experiences unreasonable and disturbing sensations of fear and tension for no apparent cause. There are several types of anxiety disorders: Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Specific Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
What are the symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include unrealistic or excessive worry, sleep disturbances, dizziness, jittering, racing or pounding heart, upset stomach, numbness in hands, face or feet, and fatigue.
- Panic Disorder: Fear and apprehension of anxiety attacks that occur for no apparent reason. The individual may feel like he or she is losing control, dying, or going crazy. Physical symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, faintness, and sensations of choking or smothering.
- Agoraphobia: Fear and avoidance of situations from which help or escape is not easily available, such as in a crowd or on a bridge. This often accompanies Panic Disorder.
- Specific Phobias: A specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or situation, such as blood, heights or flying.
- Social Anxiety: Fear of being evaluated negatively by others or being painfully embarrassed in a social setting. Situations can include speaking, writing or eating in public, being assertive or carrying on a conversation.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Recurrent, distressful intrusive thoughts that interfere with life's normal routines. Often leads to obsessive or repeated behaviors and compulsive rituals. Examples include an excessive fear of dirt or disease leading to incessant cleaning or hand washing, repeating a name or word over and over again, or checking to confirm that a door is locked, an oven is off or a window is shut.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Persistent anxiety that follows a traumatic event, often accompanied by nightmares, disturbing memories, emotional numbing, anger, poor concentration and sleep problems. Although most people think of war veterans when they think of this disorder, anyone who has survived a significant mental or physical trauma (e.g., a car accident or sexual or physical assault) can develop PTSD.
(Read about our PTSD Program.) - Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Chronic, constant worrying about everyday life occurrences and activities, often accompanied by feeling keyed-up,, on-edge and anxious. Other symptoms include muscle tension, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue.
What are the treatments for Anxiety Disorders?
Effective treatments for anxiety disorders fall into two general types: cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication. Cognitive therapy helps individuals learn to recognize thoughts and beliefs that trigger anxiety and learn new ways to deal with them. Behavioral therapy helps the individual learn to change behavior patterns that perpetuate anxiety and to react to stressors in more helpful ways. Cognitive and behavioral therapies complement one another and are typically used simultaneously. Group Therapies are also used to help people make positive changes in their thoughts, moods, and behaviors. Medication may also alleviate the distressful and disruptive symptoms of anxiety disorders, and is most effective when used in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
If you think you have an Anxiety Disorder...
Remember, anxiety disorders can be effectively treated. There is no reason to suffer in silence. Contact us for help. Clinicians of the Anxiety Disorders Service (ADS) offer confidential assessments of anxiety-related problems. During the initial diagnostic evaluation, an ADS clinician will inquire into your symptoms, how long they have been occurring, and the level of distress they cause you. The clinician will gather information about your physical health and family history of anxiety-related problems. The clinician will also consider the possibility of co-occurring problems, such as depression and/or substance abuse.
Take the next step. Reach out for help. Relief and recovery are the rewards.
Attachments:
Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Dual Diagnosis
General Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Phobias - Specific and Social