Most of us have probably either been troubled by an Anxiety Disorder at some point in their lives or know someone who has. This disorder makes someone react with fright or distress when most people would not react in that manner. Personal relationships and careers can be severely impaired. Before this disorder was recognized and treated, people with this problem would be labelled as ‘strange’ or ‘odd’. These disorders tend to get worse when not treated. Even today, these disorders can be difficult to diagnose.
Some of the most common Anxiety Disorders are listed below.
* Panic Disorder or ‘panic attacks’ can strike suddenly with feelings of terror and physical symptoms that are somewhat like having a heart attack. They feel chest pain, dizziness, an upset stomach and may think they are dying. Some have certain ‘triggers’ like shopping malls which causes them to be too afraid to go there. This is very disruptive to everyday life.
* Phobias cause someone to be extremely afraid of something that would not bother most people and is not dangerous (caterpillars, for example). They may be afraid of an object or a situation, such as being in a boat. People may have one phobia or many. Therapy helps someone learn to deal with phobias. Untreated, people are likely to lose self-confidence and become depressed.
* Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become all to common in recent years as soldiers return from battle. There are estimates that at least 20% of combat veterans are suffering from PTSD. However, this disorder is widespread among the population at large. Most people experience a traumatic event during their lives and at any time it is estimated that 8% of Americans have PTSD. Women are twice as likely to develop it.
* Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessive thoughts or rituals (such as washing hands a certain number of times or arranging items in specific patterns). These actions momentarily relieve their anxiety.
Adult Child & Family Counseling provides a wide range of counseling and therapy services to Wichita, KS families and individuals. Everyone has difficult times in their lives and the counselors stand ready to offer support while helping their patients to work through their problems. Some of the professional counseling services offered are career counseling, marriage counseling and mental health counseling. They also offer Anxiety Help in Hutchinson, KS and the surrounding areas. Day, evening and Saturday appointments are available.
