Anxiety & Panic
Anxiety is a perfectly healthy and normal feeling that serves an important function—it heightens our awareness, enhances our focus on specific tasks, and prepares us to act quickly, if necessary. Almost everyone has experienced anxiety. Everyday situations that induce anxiety in most people are public speaking, a first date, a job interview or taking a test. However, when anxiety interferes with daily activities and is excessive, persistent, and out of proportion to the situation, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder or panic disorder. If you are seeking anxiety treatment, Connections Wellness Group may be able to help.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults over the age of 18. Mental health treatment programs have helped millions of Americans manage or overcome anxiety disorders. Refer to our online form to learn about the mental health services offered at Connections Wellness Group to support an anxiety or panic disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common anxiety disorders are:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday life events for no apparent reason.
Panic Disorder (PD): Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, and dizziness.
Agoraphobia: Intense fear of being in situations from which escape may be difficult or impossible or where help would not be available if needed, for example, crowds, waiting in line, using public restrooms, or in extreme cases, even leaving home.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being embarrassed or judged by others in social situations.
Specific Phobias: Intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as flying, heights, animals, or blood.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) in an attempt to relieve anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to a traumatic event.
Anxiety disorders can significantly impact every area of life – work, school, relationships, and social activities. Many people with anxiety disorders also suffer from depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse.
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
There are many effective treatments for anxiety disorders. The most common are:
Psychotherapy
Also called “talk therapy,” this is a crucial part of treatment for most anxiety disorders. It can be conducted one-on-one, in a group, or family setting, and can last for a few sessions or many years, depending on the severity of the disorder and the response to treatment. The goals of psychotherapy are to reduce symptoms, identify and correct negative thinking and behavior patterns, and develop healthy coping skills.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This type of psychotherapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thinking and behavior patterns. CBT has been shown to be particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders.
Medication
Anti-anxiety medications, called “anxiolytics,” can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. These medications are typically used short-term, as they can have side effects and can be addictive. Some examples of commonly prescribed anxiety medications are:
Benzodiazepines: such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
Buspirone: also called “Buspar”
Antidepressants: such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil)
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
These treatments are used in addition to or instead of traditional medical treatment. Examples of these therapies include:
- Relaxation and stress reduction techniques: such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga
Herbal supplements, such as kava or valerian root
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Exercise
Support groups
Benefits of Treatment for Anxiety and Panic Disorder
- Treatment for panic disorder has many benefits. It can reduce the intensity and frequency of episodes, improve overall mental health, and help you to better manage difficult situations.
Other benefits include:
Improved quality of life
Reduced fear and anxiety
Increased ability to function in daily life
Decreased risk of depression or other mental health disorders
Better overall physical health
Contact Connections Wellness Group for Outpatient Anxiety Treatment
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, help is available. Connections Wellness Group works to connect you to meaningful, life-improving solutions which promote positive change for your overall wellness without a catch. Additionally, we provide convenient care that is cost-effective, accessible, and holistically enriching without compromise.
With convenient virtual services and payment options that include most major insurance providers, we are ready to answer your questions and help you heal. Contact us online or by phone at (877) 747-4294 today.