Anxiety Disorders
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Do I Have an Anxiety Disorder?
Method Description Self-Report Questionnaires Patients can fill out a survey that asks specific questions about symptoms of anxiety disorders. Clinical Interviews A mental health professional can conduct a one-on-one interview to assess the presence of anxiety disorders. Behavioral Observations A clinician can observe the patient’s behavior and responses to certain situations to determine if they have an anxiety disorder. Physiological…
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How Anxiety Affects the Body
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, and it can affect the body in many different ways. When you feel anxious, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode, which is a physiological response to perceived danger. This response can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including: Rapid heart rate Increased blood pressure Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness…
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Anxiety Treatment: Drugs
There are three classes of drugs used to treat anxiety disorders: anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, and beta blockers. Anti-depressants balance hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels. Benzodiazepines affect areas of the brain that control emotional reactions, memory, thinking, consciousness, and coordination. They are prescribed for shorter periods of time. Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed for anxiety…
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Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens
Dr. Catchpole interviews a fellow psychologist, Dr. Jane Garland, specializing in separation anxiety phobias. When anxieties become too intense and too prolonged, they become a problem. Symptoms fall into three categories: body, mind, and behavior. Anxious children will have headaches, upset stomachs, muscle tension, and racing hearts. They are more emotionally fragile, and may be irritable, avoidant, and throw tantrums.…
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Agoraphobia Featured on Secret Lives of Women: See the CTRN Cure
Secret Lives of Women explores the hidden areas of womens lives, including their fears such as agoraphobia and panic attacks. This documentary shows therapists and phobic patients alike explaining their experiences. One mother, Melissa, was unable to leave her house for years at a time. Melissa was strongly motivated to leave her house to attend her daughters wedding, but was…
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