Conditions & Treatments
Anxiety Disorder
More than 19 million U.S. adults suffer from chronic anxiety disorders. Relatively mild, brief anxiety symptoms can be caused by a stressful event, such as going on a first date or speaking in public.
True anxiety disorders last at least six months and can get worse if left untreated. The extreme form of this condition can seriously interfere with work and personal relationships.
Symptoms
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is classified as including the following symptoms:
- Unrealistic and chronic worry about life events
- Hyperventilation
- Headaches
- Sweating and trembling
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Muscle tension and aches
- Fatigue and/or insomnia
- Feeling powerless
Examples of more specific types of anxiety disorders which may be indicated in our screenings include:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)– feeling compelled to repeat unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or behaviors (compulsions)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – feeling you are reliving a personally traumatic event
- Panic attacks – feelings of impending doom that causes shortness of breath, chest pain, or the feeling of being smothered
- Significant phobias – feelings of severe anxiety when exposed to a stimulus (crowded spaces or spiders, for example) that you want to avoid
Evaluation and Screening
Our specialists utilize the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to perform assessments. If your physician suspects this disorder, a psychological questionnaire will be used to rule out other conditions.
Treatment
Our staff will evaluate and formulate an anxiety disorder treatment plan. Mental health therapies and rehabilitative services are very helpful for patients with anxiety disorders. Some examples of our treatment plans include:
Our individualized therapy and counseling services promote healing and understanding. The programs at our treatment centers in Philadelphia offer a wide range of outpatient services, including diagnostic re-evaluation, family consultation, pharmacotherapy and education about medication, and internal medicine consultation.
We offer mental health group therapy programs which provide a comfortable and confidential environment for patients to discuss their disorders. Our experienced facilitators help participants collectively reach resolutions on issues they've experienced, regardless of the disorder or type of patient.
This technique involves depiction of anxiety-provoking circumstances to teach patients how to reduce their anxiety.
This technique teaches patients to recognize how over-thinking contributes to out-of-control anxiety symptoms.
Anti-anxiety, antidepressant or antipsychotic medications may be prescribed.
We encourage family members to become educated and involved in patients’ treatment.