Anxiety is a term used by mental health professionals to describe extreme stress that continues over a period of time. Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life - you may feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. When that temporary worry does not go away, gets worse over time, or starts to interfere with with daily activities, it might be time to get help.
Anxiety is experienced in thoughts, behaviors, and in physical symptoms. Anxiety can be treated using several methods, all customized to meet your needs.
Contact HM Psychological Services to learn more about we can help.
Types of Anxiety
There are several types of Anxiety Disorders, all of which can be treated through a customized therapeutic approach designed to meet your needs. The most common types are listed below, however there are several others such as separation Anxiety, trauma-related disorder, specific phobias, and more.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)
This is the most common form of anxiety, where an individual experiences chronic excessive worries and stress that is higher than what individuals experience on a typical day. Those with GAD often have excessive worries about their decisions, behaviors, interactions, thoughts, and may suffer from many "what if" statements.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
OCD presents itself with both recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are upsetting and often undesired. Some common obsessions include fears about germs, safety or aggressive behaviors. Some common compulsions include counting, checking, or hand washing.
PANIC ATTACKS/PANIC DISORDER
Individuals with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Individuals often worry about when the next attack will happen and actively try to prevent future attacks by avoiding places, situations, or behaviors they associate with panic attacks.
SOCIAL ANXIETY/SOCIAL PHOBIA
A phobia is an intense fear of—or aversion to—specific objects or situations. People with social anxiety have a general intense fear of, or anxiety toward, social or performance situations. They worry that actions or behaviors associated with their anxiety will be negatively evaluated by others, leading them to feel embarrassed.
Treatment
Anxiety Disorders can be treated through a customized therapeutic approach designed to meet your needs. Contact HM Psychological Services to learn more about we can help.