Experiencing numbness during periods of high stress or anxiety can be both confusing and...
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Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Thompson
Last updated: August 2, 2025
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders encompass several distinct conditions, each with unique characteristics and symptoms. Understanding the different types can help individuals and families recognize when professional help for mental disorders may be needed.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder involves persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, including work, health, family, and finances. Unlike normal worry that comes and goes, GAD creates a constant state of anxiety that’s difficult to control. People with GAD often expect the worst-case scenario and have trouble relaxing or concentrating.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, involves intense fear and anxiety in social situations. Individuals with this condition worry excessively about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated by others. This fear can be so severe that it interferes with work, school, and personal relationships.
Learn More: Social Anxiety Disorder vs Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath. People with panic disorder often develop a fear of having future panic attacks, which can lead to avoidance behaviors.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias involve intense, irrational fear of particular objects or situations, such as heights, flying, animals, or medical procedures. The fear is disproportionate to the actual danger posed and leads to avoidance of the feared stimulus.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia involves fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable during a panic attack. This can include crowded places, public transportation, or being outside the home alone. In severe cases, individuals may become housebound.
Learn More: Agoraphobia vs Social Anxiety
Separation Anxiety Disorder
While commonly associated with children, separation anxiety disorder can also affect adults. It involves excessive fear or anxiety about separation from attachment figures, leading to distress and impairment in daily functioning.
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Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mood disorders is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
These symptoms must persist for specific durations and significantly impact daily functioning to warrant a mood disorder diagnosis.
Cognitive symptoms may involve difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering information.
Physical Symptoms
The body’s fight-or-flight response creates numerous physical manifestations of anxiety:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating or hot flashes
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
Emotional Symptoms
Anxiety disorders create intense emotional experiences that can feel overwhelming:
- Persistent worry or fear
- Feelings of impending doom or danger
- Irritability and mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
- Anticipatory anxiety about future events
- Low self-esteem and self-doubt
- Emotional numbness or detachment
Behavioral Symptoms
Anxiety often leads to changes in behavior as individuals attempt to manage their symptoms:
- Avoidance of feared situations or places
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Procrastination or inability to make decisions
- Repetitive behaviors or rituals
- Seeking excessive reassurance from others
- Substance use as a coping mechanism
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Hypervigilance or constant scanning for threats
Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Understanding these contributing elements can help individuals and families better comprehend the condition and reduce stigma.
Biological Factors
- Genetics and family history of anxiety or mental health disorders
- Brain chemistry imbalances, particularly involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA
- Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, heart disease, or respiratory problems
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
Psychological Factors
- Personality traits such as perfectionism or high sensitivity
- Learned behaviors from family or social environments
- Cognitive patterns like catastrophic thinking or rumination
- Low self-esteem or negative self-perception
Environmental Factors
- Traumatic experiences or adverse childhood events
- Chronic stress from work, relationships, or financial pressures
- Major life changes or transitions
- Substance abuse or withdrawal
- Cultural or societal pressures
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How Is An Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?
Proper diagnosis of anxiety disorders requires comprehensive evaluation by qualified mental health professionals.
At Arbor Wellness, our experienced clinicians use evidence-based assessment tools and diagnostic criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
The diagnostic process typically includes:
- Detailed clinical interviews to understand symptoms, history, and impact on daily life
- Standardized assessment tools and questionnaires
- Medical evaluation to rule out underlying physical conditions
- Review of family history and genetic factors
- Assessment of co-occurring mental health conditions
Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to diagnose specific anxiety disorders, ensuring consistent and reliable assessment across different providers and settings.
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
Effective treatment for anxiety disorders is available, and most people with anxiety disorders can achieve significant improvement with appropriate intervention and different types of therapy.
At Arbor Wellness, we offer comprehensive anxiety treatment options tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
Evidence-Based Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety disorders. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Through structured sessions, clients learn practical coping strategies and gradually face their fears in a controlled, supportive environment.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure Therapy is particularly effective for specific phobias and panic disorder. This approach involves gradual, systematic exposure to feared situations or objects in a safe, controlled setting, helping individuals build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on accepting anxious thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, while committing to actions aligned with personal values. This approach can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with the control-focused aspects of traditional CBT.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and tolerating distress. Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for various anxiety conditions.
Medication Options
When appropriate, medication can be an important component of anxiety treatment, often used in combination with therapy for optimal results:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed first-line medications for anxiety disorders. These medications help regulate serotonin levels in the brain and have proven effectiveness with relatively manageable side effects.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) work on both serotonin and norepinephrine systems and can be effective for individuals who don’t respond well to SSRIs.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines may be prescribed for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms, but they’re typically not recommended for long-term use due to potential dependence issues.
Beta-blockers can help manage physical symptoms of anxiety, particularly in performance-related situations.
Complementary and holistic therapies can enhance traditional therapy and anxiety medication approaches:
- Mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques
- Yoga and regular physical exercise
- Nutritional counseling and dietary modifications
- Art, music, and movement therapies
- Breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation
For individuals with severe anxiety disorders that significantly impair daily functioning, residential treatment may be necessary. Arbor Wellness’s residential program provides 24/7 support in a structured, therapeutic environment where clients can focus entirely on their recovery without the distractions and stressors of daily life.
Our residential treatment program includes:
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Holistic and experiential therapies
- Life skills training and coping strategy development
- Family therapy and support services
- Aftercare planning and community resource connections
Living with Anxiety Disorders
Recovery from anxiety disorders is a journey that requires patience, commitment, and ongoing support. While anxiety may always be part of an individual’s life, effective treatment can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Developing Coping Strategies
Learning and practicing healthy coping mechanisms is essential for long-term management. This includes stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and maintaining social connections.
Building Support Networks
Strong relationships with family, friends, and support groups provide crucial emotional support and practical assistance during challenging times.
Maintaining Treatment
Consistent engagement with therapy, medication compliance when prescribed, and regular check-ins with mental health professionals are vital for sustained recovery.
Lifestyle Modifications
Incorporating healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques supports overall mental health and anxiety management.
When to Seek Professional Help
Many people experience anxiety at various points in their lives, but certain signs indicate when professional help is necessary:
- Anxiety symptoms persist for several weeks or months
- Anxiety interferes with work, school, or personal relationships
- Physical symptoms like panic attacks occur regularly
- Avoidance behaviors limit daily activities or social interactions
- Sleep, appetite, or concentration problems persist
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide occur
- Substance use increases as a way to cope with anxiety
At Arbor Wellness, we believe that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our compassionate, experienced team is ready to provide the support and treatment needed to overcome anxiety disorders and build a fulfilling life.
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Types of Mood Disorder Treatments
Effective treatment for mood disorders typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Medication Management
Medication management plays a crucial role in treating mood disorders, with various classes of medications available to help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other classes, can help regulate neurotransmitter levels and alleviate depressive symptoms. Mood stabilizers such as lithium and anticonvulsants are often prescribed for bipolar disorder to prevent mood episodes and maintain stability.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy provides essential tools for understanding and managing mood disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mood symptoms. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches emotional regulation skills and distress tolerance techniques.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationship patterns and communication skills that may contribute to mood difficulties. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence current mood and behavior.
Holistic Therapy Approaches
Holistic therapy approaches complement traditional treatments by addressing the whole person, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. These may include art therapy, music therapy, yoga, meditation, and nutritional counseling.
For individuals with severe mood disorders or those who haven’t responded to outpatient treatment, residential treatment programs provide intensive, comprehensive care in a supportive environment. These programs typically combine medication management, individual and group therapy, holistic approaches, and skill-building activities to promote healing and recovery.
Residential treatment allows for 24-hour monitoring and support, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with severe symptoms, suicide risk, or co-occurring conditions. The structured environment provides safety while individuals learn coping skills and work toward stabilization.
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