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What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a part of our every day lives. Who is not nervous on the first day of school or a new job, speaking in public or walking down a dark street alone at night? In such situations, anxiety is helpful. It can make us more alert, and help us prepare — it can work for us.
On the other hand, anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with our lives. It can cut down on productivity and damage relationships with family, friends and co-workers. When anxiety reaches this level, it may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder; one of the most common and most successfully treated psychological problems.
What are some symptoms of anxiety disorders?
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Racing heart
- Choking sensation
- Upset stomach
- Dry mouth
- Clammy hands
- Muscle aches
- Shakiness
- Tension
- Jitteriness
How common are anxiety disorders?
Very common. Nearly one-quarter of the adult population in the U.S. will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
What are the different types of anxiety disorders?
- General Anxiety Disorder
Recurring fears or worries that keep us from concentrating on daily tasks
- Panic Disorder
Sudden, intense and unexplained feelings of terror and dread
- Phobias
Extreme fears about certain objects or situations
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Ongoing, out-of-control and unwanted feelings or thoughts (obsessions) and routines or rituals used to try to rid ourselves of these thoughts (compulsions)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Re-experiencing a trauma, crime or natural disaster through nightmares, flashbacks or other reminders months or even years after the event.
Do children experience anxiety disorders?
Just like adults, children suffer from anxiety disorders. Their symptoms, however, may be different: irritability, poor school performance, refusal to attend school, immature behavior and illness. Separation anxiety, or fear of being away from parents, is a major childhood problem as well.
Can anxiety disorders be helped?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, psychological treatment for anxiety disorders works. Psychologists are trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating these disorders and in working with family doctors and others if medication is needed. Seeing a psychologist is often less costly than seeing other types of doctors, yet is usually more successful in overcoming problems.
Psychologists licensed to practice independently in the state of Michigan spend an average of 7.2 years on their doctoral degrees in addition to their undergraduate education. Two years of supervised post-doctoral psychological training and a national written proficiency test are required to obtain a license for the independent practice of psychology.
How long does it take to get better?
Treatment is individually designed for each patient, with his or her input and cooperation. While treatments for anxiety disorders do not work overnight, many patients begin to noticeably improve within eight to 10 sessions.
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What is depression?
Depression, which affects people of all ages, income, race and cultures, is a disturbance of mood and is characterized by a loss of interest or pleasure in normal everyday activities. People who are depressed may feel "down in the dumps" for weeks, months or even years at a time.
Depression should not be confused with the passing feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction that everyone experiences from time to time. When these feelings continue for more than a few weeks, however, depression may be the cause.
Depression is an illness, not unlike diabetes or heart disease, and its very nature — including feelings of hopelessness — can keep someone from seeking help. Family and friends should encourage someone who is depressed to pursue evaluation and treatment by a licensed psychologist.
What are some symptoms of depression?
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Worthlessness
- Low energy and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Missing work
- Loss of interest in normal activities, including sex
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or oversleeping)
- appetite and weight changes (loss or gain)
- Physical aches and pains
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Do children experience depression?
Children and adolescents suffer from depression and while their symptoms may be difficult to separate from normal childhood behaviors, they are nonetheless significant: sleeping and eating disturbances, gloomy moods, lack of interest in school and other activities, and sudden changes in routine or friends. The key to recognizing depression is that the changes in the child's behavior continue for a period of several weeks.
How common is depression?
Depression is experienced by nearly eight million americans in a one-month period. Major depression is estimated to cost billions of dollars per year in lost workdays.
Can depression be treated?
Good news! Depression illnesses are highly responsive to treatment. In fact, 80% of people with depression report feeling better within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Both psychotherapy and medication may be needed to treat depression. Although medication may help control it, individuals must learn to recognize their own patterns of depression and develop more effective ways to cope with them. Treatment success depends on factors such as the type of depression, its severity, how long it has been going on and how an individual responds to treatment. Left untreated,depression can become chronic and even worsen.
How long does treatment take?
Several forms of psychotherapy are effective for depressed individuals. There are helpful therapies available through licensed psychologists that can be of shorter or more lengthy duration, depending on the type of depression, by focusing on personal relationships and/or behaviors, helping to change negative thinking and behavior and unlearn patterns that contribute to depression.
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