Understanding Anxiety Disorders in Lanham, MD
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This condition involves excessive anxiety about various life events, situations, or objects, often disproportionate to the actual cause. The constant worry interferes with daily activities.
Panic Disorder
Characterized by spontaneous, repeated panic attacks, this disorder causes intense fear lasting several minutes or longer. Symptoms include palpitations, sweating, and trembling.
Social Anxiety
This disorder involves a paralyzing fear of social situations, leading individuals to avoid parties, meetings, or small talk due to worries about being judged or embarrassed.
Specific Phobias
Intense fears related to particular items or situations, such as spiders (arachnophobia) or flying (aviophobia). The fear is so strong that individuals go to great lengths to avoid their phobias.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Although not strictly an anxiety disorder, OCD involves unwanted recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to repeat.
Anxiety disorders are a broad category of mental health conditions marked by persistent fear, worry, or nervousness about future events. Unlike occasional anxiety, these disorders involve prolonged feelings of apprehension that can disrupt daily life.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Lanham, MD
Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for managing anxiety and seeking appropriate help.
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Emotional Symptoms:
Persistent feelings of worry, constant tension, irritability, a sense of dread, and feeling overwhelmed.
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Physical Symptoms:
Constant fatigue, trouble sleeping, muscle tension and aches, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
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Cognitive Symptoms:
Racing thoughts, unwanted thoughts, fear of losing control, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
Causes of Anxiety and Risk Factors in Lanham, MD
Several factors contribute to anxiety:
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Biological Factors: Brain chemistry and genetic predispositions.
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Personal Life Experiences: Traumatic events or prolonged exposure to stressful environments.
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Personality Factors: Traits or childhood experiences can make individuals more susceptible.
Anxiety Treatment Services at Harmony Mental Health & Wellness Services in Lanham, MD
Medications
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Depending on the specific anxiety disorder and severity, various medications may be prescribed.
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This can include SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or beta-blockers.
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Each class of medication works differently to either alleviate symptoms or prevent anxiety attacks.
Therapy
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Primary approach: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
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Recognizes and challenges negative thinking patterns.
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Provides strategies for positive reactions.
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Other modalities might include exposure therapy or dialectical behavior therapy.
Stress Management
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Master relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
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Time-management skills to prevent overwhelm.
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Setting realistic and achievable goals.
At Harmony Mental Health & Wellness Services, we believe in offering a holistic approach tailored to each individual's needs. Tackling anxiety requires a combination of professional interventions and self-management techniques:
Seek help: