Anxiety Disorders in Adults
Everyone worries. As our age increases, so do our worries. Finances, health, and children can all be things that keep us up at night. In many ways, worry is a good thing. It can be the motivating force that helps us stick with a problem or a project until we find a solution. But when the worry is excessive, and interferes with normal daily functioning, it may be a sign of a more serious anxiety disorder.
General symptoms of anxiety, as opposed to worry, include:
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Physical |
Behavioral |
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Shortness of breath |
Social isolation/withdrawal |
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Heart pounding |
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much |
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Shaking/trembling |
Changes to appetite |
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Emotional |
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Trouble concentrating |
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Irritability |
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Anticipate the worst |
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Fear of dying |
The following are five types of anxiety disorders that commonly occur in adults (click on the links to learn more):
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
- Panic Disorder
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety disorders can look like many different things, which may result in an inaccurate diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to receive a thorough evaluation of social, emotional, and academic functioning in order to fully assess the presenting symptoms and issues. If undiagnosed and untreated, anxiety disorders can have significant effects on an individual’s life, including poor social relationships, depression, poor academic/job performance, and may lead to other disorders, such as depression or substance abuse.
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, a psychological evaluation is recommended. The Tarnow Center offers both assessment and treatment for anxiety disorders using a biopsychosocial approach that addresses the medical and psychosocial needs of the individual and the family. Appropriate intervention for anxiety disorders includes:
- Individual Therapy: Individual work focuses on developing specific skills for managing anxiety, while also addressing the struggles with daily stressors and low self-esteem that often accompany a diagnosis of anxiety.
- Biofeedback: Like individual therapy, Biofeedback works by teaching specific anxiety management skills to the client. Biofeedback employs the use of technology to make the client more aware of the internal processes that contribute to anxiety, and in doing so, teaches the client to better control these processes.
- Family Therapy: Family work is important in the treatment of anxiety in that it focuses on developing open communication and expression of emotion, while teaching parents/loved ones techniques to utilize at home with the client.
- Group Therapy: Groups provide safe and appropriate social training where the client can get feedback from peers and professionals about how to regulate their behavior.