There is no doubt that all of us have had to struggle with anxiety at least once in our lives. Experiencing butterflies during a job interview, the first date or in the exam room is a normal response. Psychologists say that all these are examples of dangers to which we have to mount an appropriate response. In some people, however, the emotion is experienced even for what are generally regarded as harmless situations. This is pathological and requires therapy. There are some important things relating to anxiety therapy Toronto residents need to know.
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 several subtypes that exist. These include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, agoraphobia, social phobia and specific phobias. There are some differences in the manner of presentation and treatment for each subtype. We will explore a few of them. In generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, the affected individual is anxious to a wide range of activities or events. However, they cannot identify these events or activities.
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.
Persons that have persistent intense fear that is associated with a compelling need to flee so as to avoid the phobic object or event should be evaluated for social phobias. Such people are extremely fearful of being publicly embarrassed by engaging in impulsive acts. As is the case with GAD, this fear interferes with normal routine and affects social activities and relationships. This phobia is the commonest of all phobias that exist and has a lifetime prevalence of about 8%.
Specific phobias are fears of specific objects or situations. These include animals, insects, heights of buildings and dental procedures among others. Simple phobias do not always impair normal functioning and many people with this problem lead near normal lives. The most important thing is to avoid the phobic situation. The onset is in the years of early childhood. Treatments for this therapy include pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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 several subtypes that exist. These include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, agoraphobia, social phobia and specific phobias. There are some differences in the manner of presentation and treatment for each subtype. We will explore a few of them. In generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, the affected individual is anxious to a wide range of activities or events. However, they cannot identify these events or activities.
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.
Persons that have persistent intense fear that is associated with a compelling need to flee so as to avoid the phobic object or event should be evaluated for social phobias. Such people are extremely fearful of being publicly embarrassed by engaging in impulsive acts. As is the case with GAD, this fear interferes with normal routine and affects social activities and relationships. This phobia is the commonest of all phobias that exist and has a lifetime prevalence of about 8%.
Specific phobias are fears of specific objects or situations. These include animals, insects, heights of buildings and dental procedures among others. Simple phobias do not always impair normal functioning and many people with this problem lead near normal lives. The most important thing is to avoid the phobic situation. The onset is in the years of early childhood. Treatments for this therapy include pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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.
About the Author:
When there is a need for anxiety therapy Toronto psychologist is the best person to turn to. Schedule an appointment with this qualified therapist today through http://danakelso.com.