Getting anxious is normal and something that all of us have deal with from time. As a matter of fact, it is regarded as a normal response to stimuli as it helps us detect dangers in our environments and initiate the appropriate response. Anxiety may also become abnormal in some cases requiring therapy. To understand the available modalities for anxiety therapy Toronto residents need to know some basics regarding the disorder.
Diagnosis of the condition is largely clinical. The doctor takes a history of the illness and upon suspecting anxiety refers the client to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Affected persons will either avoid to respond or will respond excessively to protect themselves. There is significant impairment of normal functioning as a result of these responses. While the ordinary person responds normally to what is considered abnormal stimuli, a person with the disorder reacts abnormally to normal stimuli.
Different subtypes of the disorder exist. They include, among others, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobias. There are a few differences in the manner of presentation as well as in the treatments that are used. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder, GAD, become anxious about a wide range of events most of which are unknown to the patients.
GAD is usually associated with other comorbidities such as depression. There may be complaints such as generalized fatigues, chronic pain and insomnia. The symptoms are typically intermittent and tend to recur even after treatment. Patients become alcoholics after some time and a number of them even contemplate suicide. It is important that therapy is instituted promptly. The available modalities include hypnosis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, systemic desensitization and hypnosis among others.
Social phobia is the most common phobia with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 8%. The main feature is the presence of an intense form of fear that is persistently present in the presence of a certain object or event. There is a strong desire to flee from this object or event. Most people with this disorder greatly fear public embarrassment that may be caused by impulsive acts. There is significant interference with social relationships and normal functioning.
Specific phobias are related to well-known objects or situations. These include dental procedures, blood, injections, heights, insects and animals. It is possible to lead a near normal life with a simple phobia as long as the provocative situations are avoided. The disorder has its onset in early childhood. There are several therapies that are available including cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT and pharmacotherapy.
The diagnosis has to be confirmed using investigations. At times, medical conditions may have similar symptoms and it is important that these are ruled out. Some blood tests may be required depending on the suspicion of your doctor. MRI and CT scan are some of the most commonly used imaging modalities.
When seeking the treatment for anxiety disorder, you need to understand there are several subtypes that exist all with varying treatments. Proper classification is the first step to finding the most effective form of management to be employed. The therapy will typically be administered by mental health experts such as psychiatrist and psychologists.
Diagnosis of the condition is largely clinical. The doctor takes a history of the illness and upon suspecting anxiety refers the client to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Affected persons will either avoid to respond or will respond excessively to protect themselves. There is significant impairment of normal functioning as a result of these responses. While the ordinary person responds normally to what is considered abnormal stimuli, a person with the disorder reacts abnormally to normal stimuli.
Different subtypes of the disorder exist. They include, among others, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobias. There are a few differences in the manner of presentation as well as in the treatments that are used. Patients with generalized anxiety disorder, GAD, become anxious about a wide range of events most of which are unknown to the patients.
GAD is usually associated with other comorbidities such as depression. There may be complaints such as generalized fatigues, chronic pain and insomnia. The symptoms are typically intermittent and tend to recur even after treatment. Patients become alcoholics after some time and a number of them even contemplate suicide. It is important that therapy is instituted promptly. The available modalities include hypnosis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, systemic desensitization and hypnosis among others.
Social phobia is the most common phobia with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 8%. The main feature is the presence of an intense form of fear that is persistently present in the presence of a certain object or event. There is a strong desire to flee from this object or event. Most people with this disorder greatly fear public embarrassment that may be caused by impulsive acts. There is significant interference with social relationships and normal functioning.
Specific phobias are related to well-known objects or situations. These include dental procedures, blood, injections, heights, insects and animals. It is possible to lead a near normal life with a simple phobia as long as the provocative situations are avoided. The disorder has its onset in early childhood. There are several therapies that are available including cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT and pharmacotherapy.
The diagnosis has to be confirmed using investigations. At times, medical conditions may have similar symptoms and it is important that these are ruled out. Some blood tests may be required depending on the suspicion of your doctor. MRI and CT scan are some of the most commonly used imaging modalities.
When seeking the treatment for anxiety disorder, you need to understand there are several subtypes that exist all with varying treatments. Proper classification is the first step to finding the most effective form of management to be employed. The therapy will typically be administered by mental health experts such as psychiatrist and psychologists.
About the Author:
When there is a need for anxiety therapy Toronto psychologist is the best person to turn to. Schedule an appointment with this qualified therapist today through http://danakelso.com.
