Anxiety Disorder Therapy

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health diagnosis characterized by excessive worry and fear that disrupt behavior. Fear is usually a response to real danger, however, anxiety is irrational fear or anticipation of a future threat. Anxiety can prevent you from doing things you may need to do or enjoy. People with anxiety disorders overestimate the danger of situations, which causes them to avoid sometimes necessary tasks.

Symptoms of anxiety disorder include:

• Excessive worry
• Difficulty in controlling the worry
• Restlessness
• Being easily tired
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance

Anxiety can be useful to alert us of danger and to keep us safe. However, when you begin to experience anxiety related to irrational fears that begin to have negative effects on your life, it becomes a disorder.

Who Is at Risk for Anxiety Disorders?

While anyone may experience anxiety, some risk factors include:

• Family history: Genetics plays a role in anxiety disorders. If someone in your family has a history of anxiety, your risk for anxiety increases.
• Stress: Increased stressful events can increase the risk of anxiety.
• Trauma: The physical and mental changes that occur in the body and mind during a traumatic experience increase the chance of experiencing anxiety.
• Substance use: People tend to experience heightened anxiety when substances wear off or when going through detox.
• Medical conditions: Individuals with medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory issues, and chronic pain may experience higher anxiety symptoms.

With the help of a therapist, you can learn healthy, quick, and effective coping skills to help you deal with your anxiety.

What Are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), there are several different types of anxiety disorders such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder: Excessive anxiety and worry that lasts more days than not for at least 6 months.
• Separation anxiety: This disorder is characterized by excessive fear and anxiety about being separated from an attachment figure.
• Specific phobias: This is an intense fear of a specific situation, for example, heights, flying, or an animal.
• Social anxiety disorder: This form of anxiety is a fear of social situations in which the individual may experience scrutiny from others, for example at school or a party.
• Panic disorder: This disorder is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks.
• Agoraphobia: This is an intense fear of being outside of the home or in a crowd.
• Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder: This form of anxiety is caused or worsened by prescription or illicit drugs.

If you believe you have anxiety, a therapist can help you get the right diagnosis.

How Common Are Anxiety Disorders?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 3.6% of people all around the world experience anxiety. That’s over 200 million people who experience anxiety disorders. Anxiety can affect people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The good news is that anxiety is treatable. You can learn healthy coping skills and utilize cognitive reframing to decrease anxiety symptoms. Your therapist can provide you with valuable tools to help alleviate your anxiety.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety can be caused by a variety of reasons.

Some include:

• Cognitive factors: Anxiety is often caused by irrational thinking. A therapist can help you identify the flaws in your thinking patterns and create a more rational thought process.
• Genetics: Anxiety can also be passed down genetically. If someone in your family experienced anxiety you are at a higher risk for developing anxiety symptoms.
• Environment: Oftentimes outside factors can cause anxiety, such as unstable living environment, abuse, or significant life changes.
• Brain chemistry: At times, anxiety can be caused by chemical changes in the brain. Imbalances in serotonin and dopamine can cause anxiety.
• Childhood trauma: Adverse childhood experiences can cause feelings of anxiety throughout life.

It’s important to understand that a variety of different factors can cause anxiety. Usually, a combination of different aspects causes anxiety. Seeking professional help can help you alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed?

A therapist can diagnose anxiety by conducting an interview. They will ask about your history, your environment, current stressors, and other questions that may pertain to your anxiety. Your therapist may also use some assessment tools to help diagnose your condition.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Treated?

Anxiety disorders can be treated with different interventions such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): With CBT your therapist will help you identify thoughts that cause anxiety and help you reframe those to positive ones.
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT): Your therapist will help you identify irrational beliefs and help you dispute them to alleviate your anxiety.
• Somatic regulation: Somatic techniques help you relax the muscles in your body which diminishes your anxiety.
• Art therapy: Sometimes expressing your anxiety in non-verbal ways can help you cope and manage your anxious thoughts and feelings.
• Psychoeducation: Learning about the ways anxiety occurs in our mind and body can help you better deal with it.
• Lifestyle changes: Your therapist can help you identify changes you can make in your life that can greatly improve your anxiety.

You and your therapist can decide together which methods you prefer to use to work on your anxiety. Remember, your treatment plan is entirely up to you and your therapist will guide you on how to achieve your goals.

How Does Medication Treat Anxiety Disorders?

Medications in combination with therapy can be effective in treating anxiety.

Some medications for anxiety include:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications increase serotonin, which helps regulate mood and emotions.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications work on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which also affects mood.
• Benzodiazepines: Also known as benzos, this medication has a rapid effect on anxiety by working on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• Buspirone: Also known as Buspar, this medication is commonly used as a non-narcotic option for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Make sure to ask your psychiatrist about the uses and side effects of any medication you take for anxiety disorders. Before beginning or discontinuing any medication, your therapist will support you in identifying positive changes that can be made in sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.

Can Anxiety Disorders Be Prevented?

By learning about and improving your healthy habits, you can improve your anxiety symptoms.

Here are some things that can help you prevent anxiety:

• Nutrition: The food we eat has a large impact on our mental health. Make sure to get enough lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and water.
• Sleep: Healthy sleep hygiene is an integral part of maintaining our mental health. Research shows adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night for adequate cellularity repair.
• Physical activity: Any physical movement is good for our bodies and brains. Consider taking a walk around the block or even doing some stretches.
• Stress management: It is extremely common for people to experience stress daily. Your therapist can help you come up with healthy ways and thought processes to handle stress.

There are many positive things you can do to help prevent or relieve your anxiety. Each person is different and with the help of your therapist, you can create a plan and coping skills that work best for you.

How Long Does Therapy Take for Anxiety?

The duration of therapy depends on you and your therapist, the severity of your symptoms, and your response to treatment. Typically we recommend a minimum of 12 sessions for anxiety therapy.

Does Insurance Cover Therapy for Anxiety?

Some insurance companies cover therapy for anxiety. Or you can contact your insurance provider to find a list of therapists that accept your insurance.

How to Find the Right Therapist for Anxiety?

Here are some things to consider when choosing a therapist for anxiety:

• Therapist’s approach: Different therapists have different approaches to therapy. Consider what’s important to you and don’t be afraid to interview your therapist during your initial session.
• Ask for recommendations: Maybe a friend or family member has a therapist they work with that you may want to consider talking to.
• Check credentials: Check that your therapist has the experience and education necessary to help you with your concerns.
• Schedule a consultation: The best way to determine if a therapist is right for you is to speak with them and see if you form a connection with them.

Most importantly when choosing a therapist, remember to trust your gut. You will know if a therapist is the right fit for you if you listen to your instincts and remember to ask questions.

How to Make Anxiety Counseling Work for You?

This is an important question to ask because many people believe that simply showing up to therapy will help cure their anxiety. However, it is important to enter this therapeutic relationship with an open mind. Trying different things your therapist recommends will increase your chances of success. Being brave enough to be vulnerable is the key aspect of making counseling work for you.

How Much is Anxiety Therapy?

Your mental health is our top concern, and this is especially true when handling anxiety. We strive to offer therapy that’s both affordable and effective. For face-to-face anxiety therapy sessions, we have flexible options: a 30-minute session costs $110, a more expansive 45-minute session is $165, and for those who wish for the most in-depth support, a full-hour session is available for $220. We ask for a deposit of 50% to book your in-person session.

If you’re more at ease receiving support from the comfort of your own space, our virtual and online anxiety therapy sessions are a great alternative. Priced affordably, you can have a 30-minute session for $75, a 45-minute one for $125, or a full hour for $150. With just a $25 deposit, you can secure your virtual therapy session, regardless of its duration. We’re here to ensure that effective and empathetic help is accessible to help you manage and overcome anxiety.

At our center, we offer a variety of therapies, including EMDR and CBT. Call us at (561) 363-7994 to learn how much a therapy session costs.

Embark on a journey to lasting relief from anxiety with the Trauma Therapy Center. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to guiding you towards a life free from the grip of anxiety. Begin your transformation today and take the first step towards a brighter, anxiety-free future with anxiety therapy in West Palm Beach.