Anxiety Disorders

Everyone can get anxious — it’s a natural human emotion. You may have a fluttery feeling before a big presentation, or a slight unease when facing a tight deadline. However, for some people, anxiety isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a persistent, sometimes overwhelming state that can significantly impact their daily lives. That’s where anxiety disorders come in. 

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent fear, worry and anxiety that are out of proportion to the actual situation. These feelings are often difficult to control and can significantly disrupt social, occupational and other important areas of functioning. Anxiety isn’t just about feeling stressed; it’s a more intense and enduring experience that can feel all-consuming. 

Understanding anxiety disorders is crucial because it can help:

• Reduce stigma
• Recognize the signs and symptoms
• Encourage help-seeking behavior
• Lead to early intervention
• Provide improved support
• Improve public health strategies
• Create more inclusive environments

There are several distinct types of anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) — GAD can feel like a low-grade hum of worry on a constant loop in the background of your mind. It’s characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of everyday things, even when there’s little or no reason to worry. While everyone occasionally worries about things, if you’re experiencing GAD, you may worry excessively about whether you locked the door, even after checking the door multiple times, and then immediately shift to worrying about another concern.

Social anxiety disorder — Social anxiety disorder isn’t just simple shyness around new people or in a social setting. It involves an intense fear of social situations where you may be judged, embarrassed or humiliated. This fear can be so overwhelming that you may avoid social interactions altogether. If you’re experiencing social anxiety, you may have significant distress at the thought of attending a party, worrying excessively about what others may think of you and potentially avoiding it altogether despite wanting to go. 

Panic disorder — Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterize panic disorder. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that peak within minutes and can include a range of physical and psychological symptoms. The intensity of a panic attack can have you feeling like you suddenly can’t breathe, your heart is pounding out of your chest and you’re convinced something terrible is going to happen.

Separation anxiety disorder — Separation anxiety disorder is often associated with children; however, it can also affect adults. It involves excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures. These attachment figures are typically parents, partners or close family members. This fear can significantly interfere with daily life and is developmentally inappropriate. If you’re experiencing separation anxiety disorder, you may have intense anxiety when your partner goes on a short trip, constantly worrying about their safety and having a hard time functioning until they come home.

Understanding the different types of anxiety disorders is a first step in recognizing the diverse ways anxiety can manifest. It can also help pave the way for seeking appropriate support and resources. For people experiencing these challenges, knowing that their experiences align with a recognized condition can be a validating moment and a pathway to seeking help.

Each type of anxiety disorder has its own unique symptoms. However, there are some common symptoms across anxiety disorders. For example:

• Breathing rapidly
• Having an increased heart rate
• Feeling nervous, tense or restless
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Having a sense of impending panic, doom or danger
• Feeling tired or weak
• Having trouble controlling worry
• Wanting to avoid things that trigger anxiety
• Having difficulty sleeping
• Experiencing unexplained aches and pains

The following are distinct symptoms that can characterize each specific anxiety disorder:

Generalized anxiety disorder — In addition to the hallmark pervasive and persistent worry about a variety of topics, GAD symptoms can also include:

• Worrying about everyday things
• Having difficulty tolerating uncertainty
• Overthinking plans and worst-case scenarios
• Putting things off or avoiding them
• Seeking reassurance frequently

Social anxiety disorder — The core symptom of social anxiety disorder is the intense fear of social situations. Other symptoms may include:

• Avoiding social situations
• Experiencing intense self-consciousness
• Having the fear of showing anxiety
• Analyzing social interactions

Panic disorder — Panic disorder is defined by sudden episodes of fear that peak quickly, also known as panic attacks. Panic disorder can also cause symptoms including:

• Experiencing intense physical symptoms
• Fearing the loss of control or dying
• Worrying about future attacks
• Avoiding past triggers

Separation anxiety disorder — Often seen in children but also occurring in adults, separation anxiety disorder involves the excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from attachment figures. Additional symptoms may include:

• Worrying about harm to attachment figures
• Fearing being lost or kidnapped
• Having difficulty being alone, even in familiar settings
• Avoiding school, work or social events if it means being separated
• Experiencing physical complaints when separation is anticipated or occurring

Understanding these distinct symptom patterns is essential for accurate identification and for tailoring appropriate treatment strategies and support

Anxiety disorders can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Additionally, certain risk factors can also increase a person’s likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. 

Causes of anxiety disorders can include:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• Brain structure and function
• Certain medical conditions
• Personality traits
• Coping mechanisms
• Learned behaviors
• Traumatic experiences
• Major, stressful life events
• Social and cultural factors

While risk factors can increase the chances of developing an anxiety disorder, not everyone who has risk factors will develop an anxiety disorder. Risk factors can include:

• Family history of anxiety disorders or other mental health conditions
• Past trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Chronic illness or serious health conditions
• Other mental health disorders
• Misuse of alcohol or drugs
• High levels of stress
• Lack of social support
• Female gender

Recognizing the potential causes and risk factors is crucial for promoting understanding, early intervention, and the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Dealing with an anxiety disorder can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that there are effective ways to find relief and build lasting, healthy coping skills. Treatment can involve a multifaceted approach, and understanding the options available is the first step toward helping you feel better. 

Sometimes, standard weekly therapy isn’t quite enough support. That’s where Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) offer a more structured and supportive environment. IOPs typically involve several sessions a week for a few hours, allowing you to return home daily. PHPs are more intensive, often running for most of the day, several days a week. Both programs provide a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy, offering a blend of individual and group support, skill-building, and often medication management. They can be a step up from regular therapy or a step down from inpatient care, providing you with crucial support while also allowing you to maintain aspects of your daily life. 

A cornerstone therapy within IOPs and PHPs and, in general, anxiety treatment, is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). You can think of CBT as learning to become aware of the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. CBT can help you identify negative or unhelpful thinking patterns that provide fuel to anxiety and teach you practical strategies to challenge and reframe those thoughts. CBT can help you learn healthy coping skills like relaxation techniques and problem-solving to manage your anxiety symptoms in the moment. CBT is often structured and goal oriented, empowering you to take an active role in changing how you respond to anxiety triggers. 

For specific anxiety disorders like phobias, social anxiety and panic disorder, exposure therapy can be highly effective. Exposure therapy involves gradually and safely confronting the situations, objects or thoughts that can trigger your anxiety. The idea is that avoidance actually strengthens your fear over time. Through controlled exposure, you learn that these feared situations are not as dangerous as you perceive them to be, and your anxiety response naturally decreases. Exposure therapy always moves at a pace you can manage with the support of your therapist. 

Psychopharmacological management, or the use of medication, can also be a valuable part of your treatment plan. Medications like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) can help regulate your brain chemistry and reduce the intensity of your anxiety symptoms, making it easier for you to engage in therapy and improve your overall functioning. Medication management should always be overseen by a qualified medical professional who can monitor its effectiveness and any potential side effects you may have. 

The most effective treatment for anxiety disorders often involves a combination of these approaches, tailored to your unique needs and the specific type of anxiety you’re experiencing.

Whether you are struggling with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias or any other anxiety-related condition, we are here for you. 

With our support and guidance, you will learn effective coping strategies to manage your symptoms and reduce the impact anxiety has on your daily life. We believe in providing personalized care that recognizes the unique challenges and stressors you face. 

You do not have to face anxiety alone. Let Guidelight empower you with the tools and necessary support and help you head toward a brighter, less anxiety-ridden future. 

Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial evaluation.