We all have our fair share of worries, especially when things don’t go the way we expect. That is completely normal. However, when these worries turn into intrusive thoughts and put a strain on a person’s relationships and interfere with their daily life, these could indicate an underlying mental disorder— anxiety disorder.
Let’s explore the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders and their risk factors and find out where to get high-quality anxiety disorder treatment in New York and Connecticut.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person and according to the particular disorder, but in general, people with anxiety disorders experience:
- Excessive feelings of fear and panic
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscular tension
- Racing heart rate
- Restlessness
- Sweating
Here are some specific anxiety disorders and their symptoms:
· Social Anxiety Disorder
More pronounced and long-lasting than mere shyness, social anxiety disorder refers to extreme fear of meeting and talking to people, functioning in new situations (such as in a job or new school) and performing/speaking in front of people. Sufferers generally try to avoid these situations, and as they do, they perceive themselves as unwanted, useless, and incompetent.
· Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is the most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder. Symptoms of GAD include worry and panic and can last for weeks to months as the person is concerned about health, finance, job, or any of a whole host of life issues and events.
· Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
People with OCD experience nagging thoughts often related to germs, dirt, or accidentally harming oneself or others. To ease the stress associated with these thoughts, the person tends to turn to repetitive acts, such as washing of hands repeatedly, or turning a light switch on and off, over and over.
While almost everyone has a quirky habit or two, people with OCD lead isolated, limited lives because their obsessive thoughts and rituals interfere with their day-to-day activities.
Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders
Research suggests that anxiety disorders may have genetic and biological underpinnings, much like allergies or other chronic diseases, and may develop from a complex set of risk factors, which includes brain chemistry, personality, and traumatic experiences.
Certain personality types and past life experiences, such as childhood trauma, are major predisposing factors for anxiety disorders in adulthood. Childhood traumas can be a result of emotional, sexual, or physical abuse, exposure to domestic violence or parental substance abuse, and abandonment.
Anxiety Disorder Treatment in NY and Connecticut
At PSY-Visions, board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Mark Stracks is the expert you need to help you navigate your anxiety disorder. He will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and devise a personalized anxiety treatment plan, which includes medications, talk and cognitive therapy, relaxation techniques, and support groups.
To arrange an appointment with Dr. Mark Stracks, please contact our New York City office at (718) 887-2918, or Connecticut office at (203) 405-1745. You may also fill out our online appointment request form.
