Anxiety Disorder

Although everyone feels anxious or nervous sometimes, those with anxiety disorders have constant and abnormal fear or anxiety. There are various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and separation anxiety (SepAD). In most cases, people suffering from anxiety disorders have symptoms that disrupt their daily lives.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

• Endless checking or rechecking of actions
• Constant and unrealistic worry about everyday occurrences/activities
• Fear and anxiety with no apparent cause
• Shaking/trembling
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Panic attacks
• Nervousness

Treating Anxiety Disorders

Here at Lakeview Health Systems, treatment consists of psychological counseling and medical treatment all designed to help the client overcome his/her fears and live a life without anxiety. Specific details of treatment depend on the client’s particular disorder.

Because clients with anxiety disorders are generally focused on specific fears, traditional “talk therapy” is not conducted in treatment. Instead, cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended. As its name suggests, cognitive-behavioral therapy has both a cognitive and a behavioral component. In the cognitive part of therapy, patients learn that their fears are irrational or unrealistic. Then, in behavioral therapy, patients learn to readjust their reactions to previous fears or stressors, eventually becoming desensitized to things they once anguished over.

Individuals suffering from a coexisting anxiety disorder while in our addiction treatment program will also be under the supervision of one of our medical professionals. If necessary, the medical professional will treat the anxiety disorder with medications including antidepressants, such as Paxil or Zoloft, anti-anxiety medicines, or beta blockers, which help regulate heart rate. Any medicines prescribed are designed to help regulate brain chemical that govern mood or behavior, alleviating or even eliminating anxiety symptoms.

In addition to medical and psychological treatment, clients suffering from anxiety disorder may benefit from programs such as recreational therapy and meditation. Our addiction professionals know how to create a balanced combination between various treatment methods to provide a client with optimal care and a successful recovery.

If you have any questions about our anxiety disorders, or if you need help or advice about a drug or alcohol problem, you can call our free Addiction Helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.