Are you or a loved one suffering from an anxiety disorder? Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder. They produce a wide range of symptoms that are physical and/or behavioral. The physical symptoms include nausea, dizziness, shaking, stomach pain, and shortness of breath. Behavioral symptoms include checking and rechecking, cleaning, avoidance, and isolation. Although these symptoms are at times debilitating, there are evidence-based treatments that are short term and effective. Our clinicians specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy and apply specific proven techniques in treating these symptoms.
The specific Disorders we treat include:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) suffer from recurrent intrusive and distressing obsessive thoughts, and compulsions to engage in unreasonable or excessive behaviors. Performance of the compulsive behaviors often results in a temporary decrease in the anxiety associated with the obsessive thoughts. Common obsessive thoughts include worries about leaving appliances turned on or not locking doors, excessive concern about dirt or germs, a need to do thing the “right” way, and fears about harming the self or others. Common compulsions include repeatedly checking appliances or locks, washing hands, repeating tasks until they feel “just right,” and frequently seeking reassurance from others.
The thoughts and behaviors listed here are just a few examples; obsessions and compulsions can take on any number of forms, and each form can be just as distressing as the next.
How do we Treat Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based behavioral treatment for OCD, and is frequently referred to as the “Gold Standard” for treating this disorder. Treatment is typically 15 to 20 sessions in length. The number of sessions is dependent upon the severity of symptoms. During treatment, individuals confront their fears and abstain from engaging in “safety” behaviors. Over time, habituation occurs and distress associated with the feared situation diminishes. Research has demonstrated that 83% of individuals completing ERP respond favorably to treatment, and 76% successfully maintain their improvement at long-term follow up.
If you or your loved one is impacted by OCD and the symptoms related to it we can help. Please contact us for further information and treatment options.
Foa, E.B., Yadin, E., and Lichner, T.K. (2012). Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention for Obsessive –Compulsive Disorder: Therapist Guide, Second Edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia
What is Panic Disorder?
Individuals with Panic Disorder experience recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. They often worry about having additional attacks and/or worry about the implications of having panic attacks. Many individuals who suffer from panic attacks also experience Agoraphobia, which is defined by avoidance of situations from which escape may be difficult. Individuals suffering from agoraphobia may endure such situations while experiencing feelings of extreme anxiety or dread. The avoidance and feelings of dread are often related to fears that the individuals will experience a panic attack.
Many individuals suffering from Panic Disorder seek medicinal treatments from psychiatrists. Unfortunately, medications such as benzodiazepines provide only temporary relief and the discontinuation of such medications are associated with high relapse rates.
How do we treat Panic Disorder?
Panic Control Treatment (PCT) is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatment for Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia. PCT is typically 6 to 12 sessions in length. The number of sessions is dependent upon the severity of symptoms and the presence of Agoraphobia. During the course of treatment, individuals learn about the connection between physical sensations and the experience of panic. Next, individual are taught breathing skills to help manage physical symptoms and cognitive techniques to manage maladaptive thoughts about their symptoms. Individual engage in exposures that reduce fear of physical sensations. In the case of Agoraphobia, exposures include feared places. Research has demonstrated that 70-80% of individual are panic-free at the end of treatment.
If you or your loved one is impacted by OCD and the symptoms related to it we can help. Please contact us for further information and treatment options.
Craske, M.G. & Barlow, D.H. (2007). Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic, Fourth Edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) experience intrusive and excessive worry thoughts. These individuals often find their worry thoughts to be difficult to control and experience a number of other symptoms as a result. Symptoms can include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and disrupted sleep. Individuals suffering from GAD may experience significant distress or impairment in their personal and professional lives.
How do we treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is treated through a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and relaxation training. An individual works with his or her therapist to identify and target the various parts of anxiety, including maladaptive thinking patterns, cognitive or behavioral avoidance, and poor emotion regulation. Treatment works by reducing physical symptoms of anxiety, improving a client’s ability to challenge or let go of maladaptive worry thoughts, and improving tolerance of emotional distress.
Tic Disorders
What are Tic Disorders?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition describes a tic as “a sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic motor movement or vocalization.” Individuals may suffer from vocal tics (e.g., throat clearing, repeating words or sounds), motor tics (e.g., blinking, shoulder shrugging), or both. These tics are often experienced as involuntary, but an individual may find he or she is able to suppress the tics for varying lengths of time. Individuals suffering from a tic disorder may find the tics to be distressing or embarrassing.
How do we treat Tic Disorders?
Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is an evidence-based behavioral treatment for tic disorders. Individuals work with a therapist to become more aware of their tics and then engage in competing behaviors that are incompatible with the tic behavior. HRT is paired with relaxation training and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help individuals change the way they interact with the world and reduce the occurrence of tics. Over time, patients experience a reduction in symptoms.
Please read more about the highly effective treatments for these disorders. Contact us directly to schedule an appointment.