Anxiety disorders include: panic, social anxiety, specific phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and generalized anxiety disorder. There are some common features across these types of anxiety.
- Concern about the future, a sense of dread or forboding
- Physical arousal such as racing heart, sweating, and upset stomach
- A strong desire to avoid or escape the anxiety and anything that triggers it
Effective treatment for anxiety exists. It includes identifying triggers, problem-solving, reducing stress, developing relaxation and mindfulness skills, changing thought habits, and exposure therapy. PTSD and OCD involve more specialized treatment. I do not treat PTSD but can provide referrals to therapists who do. See the OCD page for further information about that type
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