Residential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders at CooperRiis

Anxiety disorders occur when the body’s natural fight or flight mechanisms begin functioning improperly, resulting in excessive feelings of dread, nervousness, and stress, even when there is no real danger present. 30% of adults in the U.S. are affected by at least one type of anxiety disorder in their lifetimes. Of that percentage:

• 7-9% experience a specific phobia
• 2% experience agoraphobia
• 7% experience social anxiety disorder
• 2-3% experience a panic disorder
• 2% experience generalized anxiety disorder
• 1-2% experience separation anxiety disorder

In general, women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders than men are. The above data comes from the American Psychiatric Association.

While anxiety is a normal response to danger or stress, an anxiety disorder may be present if you experience one or more of the following symptoms persistently, disproportionately, and in such a way that it interferes with your day-to-day life

Common emotional signs of anxiety disorders include:

• Excessive and irrational fear
• Excessive and irrational worry
• Always anticipating the worst
• Feeling tense and jumpy
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• General uneasiness
• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Continually watching for signs of danger
• Difficulty concentrating

Common physical signs of anxiety include:

• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Rapid heartbeat
• Stomach upset/diarrhea/nausea
• Frequent urination
• Shortness of breath
• Dry mouth
• Muscle tension or twitches
• Trembling
• Insomnia/issues with sleep
• Inability to be still
• Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet (paresthesia)

This list of symptoms commonly associated with anxiety disorders is by no means exhaustive. Anxiety can manifest in hundreds of ways, which is why these types of conditions are often misdiagnosed. If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, it is important to seek counsel from a psychiatric/ psychological professional. Such an individual can help you better understand the nature of your condition and provide you with a diagnosis if necessary.

There are many different kinds of anxiety disorders, and people can experience more than one at the same time. Below are descriptions of some common types:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms include excessive, persistent worry that interferes with normal activities and can harm personal relationships. This condition makes everyday life feel overwhelming and even exhausting.

Panic Disorder

Those diagnosed with panic disorder experience recurrent panic attacks, or episodes during which anxiety disorder symptoms are intensified for a short period – usually 10 minutes or less. Sometimes, these experiences are so extreme that they’re mistaken for heart attacks or other life-threatening issues.

Common symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Surges of overwhelming panic and or terror
• Heart palpitations or chest pain
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
• Choking sensation
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Feeling dizzy, faint, or lightheaded
• Hot flashes or chills
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying

Phobias, Specific Phobia, and Irrational Fear

A specific phobia is an intense and persistent fear of a situation or activity that is generally not harmful. People who have phobias will go to extreme lengths to avoid whatever frightens them. Even though they often know that their distress is disproportionate, they require professional help to overcome it. One common phobia is agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is the fear of being exposed or trapped within potentially dangerous, harmful, or embarrassing situations. It can cause people to avoid public spaces, seriously impeding their ability to carry out normal, day-to-day activities.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Individuals with social anxiety disorder are preoccupied with the possibility of being embarrassed, ridiculed, judged, or rejected by others. As a result of this fear, they avoid social settings and often refrain from cultivating important connections with friends and family.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

People with separation anxiety disorder experience excessive fear of losing those with whom they’re closest. They may refuse to spend any length of time apart from the people who are the focus of their attachment, experiencing feelings of anxiety and fear beyond established norms.

Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder

Consumption — especially overconsumption — of alcohol, drugs, caffeine, or other substances can trigger anxiety disorders in some individuals. Symptoms can result directly from intoxication or may be triggered by withdrawal.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD is most often associated with veterans and wartime involvement, but many types of experiences can trigger the onset of this condition. That’s why we take a highly personalized approach to the treatment of PTSD at CooperRiis.

Yes, it is possible to experience these two conditions simultaneously. In some cases, depression develops as a result of crippling anxiety, and in other cases anxiety is a symptom of major depression. The good news is that the personalized, holistic, recovery-focused care that we deliver at CooperRiis has helped people diagnosed with both depression and anxiety to better manage their conditions so they can live full, gratifying lives.

While there is no “cure” for anxiety disorders, dedicated, holistic treatment can dramatically reduce the severity of symptoms, teach individuals how to effectively manage their bodies’ responses to stress, and position people to achieve their highest levels of health and wellness.