Cornerstone

Anxiety Disorders

Get information on Anxiety Disorders, including Effects, Signs and Symptoms, and Treatment.

Living With Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders are not just occasional worries or stress. They are chronic conditions that take different forms, including Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety. These disorders can cause physical symptoms such as heart palpitations and insomnia, severely affecting daily life. Unlike typical Anxiety, these disorders can be overwhelming and often coexist with other mental health issues, such as Depression.

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Treatment Locations

Defining Anxiety

Risk Factors

Diagnosis

FAQs

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent fear, worry, and Anxiety that are disproportionate to the actual danger or threat. These disorders can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function in daily life, affecting their work, relationships, and social interactions.¹

Unlike the normal Anxiety that people experience in response to stress or specific situations, anxiety disorders are relentless and can grow worse without treatment. They include various types, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each type has its unique symptoms but shares the common feature of excessive, difficult-to-control Anxiety. These conditions are often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, and trembling.

Understanding and recognizing these disorders is essential for seeking appropriate treatment and support. With professional help, individuals with anxiety disorders can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Understanding the risk factors for anxiety disorders is crucial for recognizing vulnerability in individuals. Various factors, including genetics, can influence these conditions, indicating a hereditary component that makes some more predisposed than others. Brain chemistry abnormalities and certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low-stress tolerance, also play significant roles.

Experiences of trauma, especially in childhood, and chronic stress from various life circumstances can trigger these disorders. Concurrent mental health conditions like depression often accompany anxiety, exacerbating its effects. Substance abuse can both cause and worsen symptoms, creating a challenging cycle. Chronic physical illnesses add another layer of stress, increasing susceptibility.²

Additionally, major life changes and societal pressures can act as catalysts, making understanding these risk factors vital for early detection and support.

Diagnosing Anxiety Disorders is a careful process conducted by qualified healthcare professionals like psychiatrists or psychologists. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides specific criteria for diagnosing these conditions. According to the DSM-5, key features include excessive Anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months about various activities.³

The Anxiety and worry must be challenging to control and associated with three or more symptoms (in adults), such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance. For a diagnosis, these symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. It’s also essential that these symptoms are not attributable to substance use, a medical condition, or another mental disorder.

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Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Excessive Worry

Anxiety Disorders are often characterized by a persistent and unrealistic worry about everyday things that are disproportionately larger than the actual source of concern. This symptom can dominate a person's thoughts, making it challenging to concentrate on tasks at work or personal life, ultimately impacting their overall functioning and quality of life.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, and gastrointestinal issues often come with Anxiety Disorders. These symptoms can be mistaken for other health problems, causing increased worry and a cycle of Anxiety. They can also impact daily activities and worsen the emotional aspects of Anxiety.

Avoidance Behavior

Many people with Anxiety Disorders tend to exhibit avoidance behavior. They may begin to avoid certain places, situations, or activities that they fear will trigger their Anxiety. Although this might provide temporary relief, it can lead to increased isolation and can eventually worsen the Anxiety in the long run. This can limit personal and professional growth.

Services We Provide

Residential Treatment for Anxiety

At Cornerstone, we understand that living with Anxiety can feel debilitating. Our behavioral health centers throughout Arizona provide a caring, holistic approach to supporting those struggling with Anxiety, panic, worry, and fear. Our licensed therapists and clinical team work collaboratively with each client to provide treatment based on their unique needs and goals. We get to know each client as a person, not just a set of symptoms so that we can address well-being’s mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects. Our judgment-free environment facilitates authentic healing. Witnessing our clients lessen their Anxiety, transform their mindset, strengthen relationships, find purpose and meaning, and reach their full potential is our reward. We would be honored to take this journey alongside you.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a highly effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders. It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors to alter unwanted anxious thoughts.

Medication Management

Medication management is often used in conjunction with therapy. Medications like Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety drugs can help regulate brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms.

Holistic Therapies

We emphasize holistic therapies that address the mind, body, and spirit. This can include mindfulness practices, yoga, and nutritional counseling.

Sources

[1] Generalized Anxiety Disorder by Munir and Takov (2020)

[2] Physiological Genomics in Response to Stressful Life Events and PTSD

[3] Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety Disorder Symptoms by Resti Rahmawati (2022)

CLINICALLY REVIEWED

Lionel Estrada, LISAC

CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Lionel, a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) with over 4 years at Cornerstone, specializes in addiction and mental health. Trained in EMDR therapy, he employs a trauma-informed, empathetic approach to address underlying causes of these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Inpatient or residential treatment becomes a necessary step when Anxiety disorders severely impact daily functioning or pose a risk to the individual’s safety. This level of care is suitable if symptoms are intense, persistent, and unresponsive to outpatient treatments. Inpatient treatment offers a structured environment, intensive therapy, and continuous support, crucial for those struggling with severe Anxiety. It’s a space where individuals can focus entirely on recovery, away from daily stressors.

The level of care for treating Anxiety disorders varies based on the severity and impact of the symptoms. Mild to moderate Anxiety often responds well to outpatient therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication management. More severe cases, especially those involving other mental health issues or substance abuse, may require intensive outpatient programs or inpatient care. It’s essential to consult with a mental health professional to determine the most effective approach for your specific situation.

Supporting an anxious loved one involves understanding, patience, and encouragement. Listen actively without judgment and offer reassurance. Encourage them to seek professional help and, if willing, accompany them to appointments. Educate yourself about Anxiety disorders to better understand their experiences. Above all, ensure they know they’re not alone in their journey and their feelings are valid and acknowledged. Remember, your support can be a vital part of their path to recovery.

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