Getting anxious is normal and something that all of us have deal with from time. As a matter of fact, it is regarded as a normal response to stimuli as it helps us detect dangers in our environments and initiate the appropriate response. Anxiety may also become abnormal in some cases requiring therapy. To understand the available modalities for anxiety therapy Toronto residents need to know some basics regarding the disorder.
The diagnosis is made mainly on clinical grounds. Typically, the doctor takes a history to establish whether or not there are suggestive symptoms. If anxiety disorder is suspected the client is referred to a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Persons with the disorder will typically present with excessively protective responses when faced with worrisome situations. Put in other words, they will respond abnormally to normal situations as opposed to ordinary people who respond normally to abnormal situations.
There are a number of different subtypes of the disorder recognized. They include obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, panic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, PTSD, specific phobias, social phobia and agoraphobia. There are minor differences in the symptomatic patterns as well as the therapies that are used. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one in which the client is anxious about a wide range of activities or events. They cannot identify the exact events.
GAD usually coexists with other types of anxiety and some mental illnesses such as depression. Patients may have complaints such as sleep disturbance, chronic pain and generalized fatigue. These symptoms are usually intermittent and tend to recur even after treatment has been achieved. Over time the patients may become alcoholics and start to exhibit suicidal tendencies. Treatments that are commonly used include systemic desensitization, relaxation therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and hypnosis among others.
Social phobia is the most common phobia with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 8%. The main feature is the presence of an intense form of fear that is persistently present in the presence of a certain object or event. There is a strong desire to flee from this object or event. Most people with this disorder greatly fear public embarrassment that may be caused by impulsive acts. There is significant interference with social relationships and normal functioning.
Specific phobias are related to well-known objects or situations. These include dental procedures, blood, injections, heights, insects and animals. It is possible to lead a near normal life with a simple phobia as long as the provocative situations are avoided. The disorder has its onset in early childhood. There are several therapies that are available including cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT and pharmacotherapy.
The diagnosis has to be confirmed using investigations. At times, medical conditions may have similar symptoms and it is important that these are ruled out. Some blood tests may be required depending on the suspicion of your doctor. MRI and CT scan are some of the most commonly used imaging modalities.
There are many types of anxiety disorders that exist all with unique symptoms and treatments. The process of finding the effective therapy starts with classifying the disorder. Therapy is administered by psychiatrists, psychologists and other trained professionals.
The diagnosis is made mainly on clinical grounds. Typically, the doctor takes a history to establish whether or not there are suggestive symptoms. If anxiety disorder is suspected the client is referred to a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Persons with the disorder will typically present with excessively protective responses when faced with worrisome situations. Put in other words, they will respond abnormally to normal situations as opposed to ordinary people who respond normally to abnormal situations.
There are a number of different subtypes of the disorder recognized. They include obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD, panic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders, PTSD, specific phobias, social phobia and agoraphobia. There are minor differences in the symptomatic patterns as well as the therapies that are used. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one in which the client is anxious about a wide range of activities or events. They cannot identify the exact events.
GAD usually coexists with other types of anxiety and some mental illnesses such as depression. Patients may have complaints such as sleep disturbance, chronic pain and generalized fatigue. These symptoms are usually intermittent and tend to recur even after treatment has been achieved. Over time the patients may become alcoholics and start to exhibit suicidal tendencies. Treatments that are commonly used include systemic desensitization, relaxation therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and hypnosis among others.
Social phobia is the most common phobia with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 8%. The main feature is the presence of an intense form of fear that is persistently present in the presence of a certain object or event. There is a strong desire to flee from this object or event. Most people with this disorder greatly fear public embarrassment that may be caused by impulsive acts. There is significant interference with social relationships and normal functioning.
Specific phobias are related to well-known objects or situations. These include dental procedures, blood, injections, heights, insects and animals. It is possible to lead a near normal life with a simple phobia as long as the provocative situations are avoided. The disorder has its onset in early childhood. There are several therapies that are available including cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT and pharmacotherapy.
The diagnosis has to be confirmed using investigations. At times, medical conditions may have similar symptoms and it is important that these are ruled out. Some blood tests may be required depending on the suspicion of your doctor. MRI and CT scan are some of the most commonly used imaging modalities.
There are many types of anxiety disorders that exist all with unique symptoms and treatments. The process of finding the effective therapy starts with classifying the disorder. Therapy is administered by psychiatrists, psychologists and other trained professionals.
