Anxiety Disorder and Phobias

Anxiety Disorder and Phobias

We all worry and feel anxious sometimes. It can be a normal response to a situation that is threatening to us such as walking past an angry dog or having money worries. Anxiety becomes a problem when the feelings that we have are prolonged or occur when there is no threat.

Two different types of anxiety disorder can be distinguished.

In Panic disorder the main problem is recurrent panic attacks which occur spontaneously or when triggered by certain situations.

A panic attack is a period of intense fear often accompanied by a sense of imminent danger or impending doom and an urge to escape. The following symptoms may occur and peak quickly in around 10 minutes; palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, feeling of choking, nausea, feeling dizzy, chills or hot flushes and a fear of losing control.

In generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) the main feature is excessive anxiety and worry. The symptoms are less intense than in panic disorder and the onset is gradual.

The symptoms of a Phobic anxiety disorder are the same as generalised anxiety disorder except they only occur in certain circumstances. These circumstances will often be avoided and the individual may experience anxiety in anticipation of encountering them. A person can be phobic of anything but some of the more common ones include; Needles, Flying, Spiders and Dentists. Agoraphobia is anxiety experienced when an individual is away from their home or in crowds or open spaces.

Counselling using an approach called Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the first choice treatment for anxiety disorders. This includes education about anxiety and learning relaxation and breathing techniques to help cope with anxious feelings. The counsellor will help the client to reduce any avoidance or safety behaviours as these are what lead to the vicious cycle of anxiety. Specific worries and distress are also explored and the counsellor will help the client to problem solve to prevent any relapses of anxiety.

Cognitive behavioural therapy techniques are also used in counselling for phobias. It combines gradual exposure to the feared situation combined with techniques for managing the anxiety experienced. The client and counsellor will work together to ensure a safe and graduated approach to dealing with a phobia.

If you feel that you are experiencing anxiety or having panic attacks or a phobia it is important to seek help as early as possible. The thoughts and feelings that you are having are treatable through counselling and at Lifeworks we can help you to break free of the vicious cycle of anxiety.

CONTACT ME