Anxiety Disorders

This disorder is characterized by unpredictable panic attacks in which the sufferer may experience heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating, physical numbness or tingling and other symptoms. Sufferers of Panic Disorder may fear they will die during the attacks, even though the physical symptoms of a panic attack are not life-threatening. Because the panic attacks are unpredictable and occur without warning, Panic Disorder sufferers may also develop agoraphobia, and fear places and objects connected to previous attacks. They may fear driving, exercising, being in enclosed spaces, and other situations where a panic attack may embarrass them or endanger their health. In extreme agoraphobia cases, the sufferer may feel unable to leave their home.

GAD sufferers experience high levels of stress over everyday life routines and events. Sufferers may feel overwhelmed by persistent fears of worst-case-scenarios and complain that they cannot "turn off" the stream negative thoughts in their minds. Generalized Anxiety Disorder may also manifest in a sense of constant alertness and anticipation. The anxiety these sufferers experience, however, lacks a specific or appropriate source. Physical symptoms can include irritability, headaches, muscle spasms, inability to concentrate or relax, being easily startled, excessive sweating of hands and feet, and sleep disturbance. Fortunately, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is treatable with a combination of medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

PTDS is a disorder suffered by those who have undergone or witnessed a violent or life-threatening event. War veterans and survivors of motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, rape, assault, and child abuse may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Symptoms of this illness include "flashbacks" in which the survivor relives the incident, nightmares, angry outbursts, thoughts of hurting oneself and others, and feelings of emotional numbness, helplessness, and despair. Physical symptoms such as headaches and upset stomach may also manifest, particularly among children with the illness. Treatments may include medication and therapy. Unfortunately, many with PTSD feel shame concerning their illness and suffer in silence.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, often referred to as "OCD", is an Anxiety Disorder that will affect roughly three percent of the population at some point in their lives. OCD sufferers are plagued with unwanted and obsessive thoughts, and will respond to these obsessions in a compulsive manner. Obsessions common to this disorder include fears of bacterial contamination, forgetting to lock the door or turn off the stove before leaving home, and harming oneself or others . The obsessive thoughts are accompanied by compulsions of hand washing, repeated checking of doors and household appliances, counting, organizing, and repeatedly touching objects. Initially, the compulsive actions provide temporary relief for the OCD sufferer. However, the anxiety quickly returns, and compulsion rituals soon become so elaborate and repetitive in nature that they become debilitating and completely overwhelm the patient.

However challenging, Anxiety Disorders are not insurmountable obstacles. With the exceptional treatment offered by Wellness Family Therapy anxiety treatment specialists, those who suffer from these disorders can overcome their illness. If you have been diagnosed with one of the disorders listed above, or if you suspect that you may have an Anxiety disorder, contact Wellness Family Therapy today to schedule an appointment.