Providing Psychiatric & Behavioral Healthcare

- In Poway -

Anxiety

Anxiety on its own is a common feeling of uneasiness, distress, or fear. We all experience anxiety at some point in our lives. If these feelings escalate to interfere with daily life, than, this may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. The term ‘anxiety disorder’ covers several specific disorders, each with their own signs and symptoms, though all are characterized by extreme fear.

During treatment of an anxiety disorder, having a support system of trusted friends and family is also important. Loved ones should be supportive of someone suffering from anxiety, but not perpetuate the symptoms, demand immediate improvement, or trivialize the disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

While many people may worry about day-to-day problems, people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) worry excessively, every day. It may be nervousness over money, family, work, health, or any number of smaller issues. GAD rarely occurs by itself, and will often accompany other issues such as depression, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders. Unlike panic disorder, those with GAD may not avoid the situations that cause them anxiety, but can have difficulty with the simplest of tasks if their anxiety about it is at a high point.

Symptoms of a Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is characterized mainly by episodic panic attacks. These panic attacks can occur as a result of several triggers, whether on their own or as the result of a co-existing disorder such as a phobia or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Anxious self-talk or entering situations that have been associated with anxiety or previous panic attacks can also set off a panic attack.

People who have repeated attacks will often avoid the physical locations where previous attacks have occurred, leading to serious impositions on daily life. Panic disorders can also occur with other problems, such as substance abuse or depression. In extreme cases, those who suffer from panic disorder may refuse to leave their home unless with a trusted person.

Symptoms of a Panic Attack: