Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety happens as a normal part of life. However, for some people anxiety causes significant impairment with daily activities such as work, school, and/or sleep. This type of anxiety can disrupt relationships, employment, and the overall enjoyment of life. Over time, if left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to health concerns and other problems.
When anxiety begins interfering with day-to-day activities, it develops into a mental health condition that requires treatment. There are many different forms of anxiety disorders including:
-
General anxiety disorder, which is characterized by persistent worry about major or minor concerns.
-
Panic disorder, which involves significant physiological symptoms that cause individuals to avoid certain triggers.
-
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which consists of compulsive thoughts and behaviors that cause significant distress in an individual.
-
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which results from a traumatic event and includes avoidance of places/triggers and is often accompanied by nightmares and persistent thoughts of the trauma.
The more complex anxiety disorders have specific 'triggers' and symptoms.
Symptoms can vary among the different types of anxiety. However, common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
-
Feeling apprehensiveness
-
Feeling powerless
-
Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
-
Having an increased heart rate
-
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
-
Sweating
-
Trembling
-
Feeling weak or tired
-
Avoiding places, people, and/or places
If you believe you or a loved one may be battling with anxiety, please call LSH Psychological Services today. Dr. Hennessy is here to help you. With a unique therapy plan designed on a per-patient basis, she knows that the right therapy makes all the difference. Call today at 954-317-0551 or email her at Dr.LaurenHennessy@gmail.com.
For more information regarding anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, check out the links below:
WebMD: Anxiety & Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety & Depression Associations of America