Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a normal part of life. However, when anxiety causes a high degree of distress or disrupts the functioning of our lives it becomes a disorder.
In general, if you are concerned about the level of your anxiety it is probably wise to be evaluated for an anxiety disorder by a therapist. Students of MSMC are encouraged to call and make an appointment for a free and confidential evaluation (ext. 4110).
There are known treatments for each of these disorder. It is useful to understand the basic types of anxiety disorders, so that you know how to obtain more information.
Panic Disorder
A panic attack is a rush of anxiety that lasts for a few minutes and includes some of the following symptoms:
- feeling sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy;
- tingling or numb hands;
- feeling flushed or chilled;
- rapid breathing, chest pain or smothering sensations;
- a sense of unreality;
- and fear of loss of control or impending doom.
People who have panic attacks often find that during the attack they are convinced that they are going to have a heart attack, stroke, are going to die, or lose their mind. Often people feel as if the attack has hit them "out of the blue." If someone experiences panic attacks it is possible that they suffer from Panic Disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Most people experience obsessions and compulsions at some time in their lives. An obsession is a recurring thought that you just can't seem to get out of your mind. The more you think of this thought the more it raises your anxiety level. A compulsion is a repetitive behavior that you feel driven to do in order to relieve that anxiety that builds with obsessive thoughts. This pattern becomes a disorder when it begins to consume your time and energy on a regular basis.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
A psychological trauma is any experience in life that overwhelms our coping ability. Witnessing a death or injury, a natural disaster, or being threatened with death or injury are just a few examples. Children are often traumatized by extreme events where they have no control or ability to escape. The human mind has been designed with an ability to "switch-off" feelings during overwhelming events in order to survive. Sometimes there is an emotional reaction to the trauma that happens long after the overwhelming event itself. This reaction can include anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, avoidance of any reminders of the original trauma, sleep difficulties, difficulty concentrating, and even an exaggerated startle response. If these and other symptoms persist for more than 1 month, a person may be suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Phobias
A phobia is an intense and persistent fear of a specific type of object or situation. People may by afraid of dogs, spiders, heights, closed-in spaces, social situations (like giving an oral presentation in class) and a variety of other objects and situations. Experiencing some fear does not mean you have a phobic disorder. It all depends on how much the fear disrupts your life, either through distress or in what you do to avoid the dreaded object or situation. Effective treatments are available that offer great relief. If you wonder about any of your own symptoms, it's best to meet with a professional and find out what's is available to you.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone worries at various times. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and lasts more than six months, it's time to suspect an anxiety disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive anxiety about many different things. It is chronic worry that is difficult for the worrier to control. Is worry a disorder? Again, it all depends on how much it disrupts your life and how much distress you experience. Students who suffer from GAD sometimes don't realize how much they have been driven by worry until they receive adequate treatment.
Screening for Anxiety
Anxiety Screening online- Enter in the keyword: MOUNTSTMARY