Anxiety

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

Resources

Anxiety Disorder Association of America