Anxiety disorders can present in many forms, each with unique symptoms, triggers, and effects on a person’s life. These disorders share a common thread of excessive fear and anxiety that can interfere with daily activities. Understanding the complexities of anxiety disorders is the first step toward effective management and treatment. At the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center in Denver, Colorado, we offer comprehensive treatments under Dr. Charles Glass, Ph.D. to help individuals manage and overcome these conditions.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling or shaking; sensations of shortness of breath, smothering, or choking; and feelings of impending doom. People with Panic Disorder live in fear of experiencing a panic attack, and this fear can lead to behavioral changes like avoiding places or situations where previous attacks occurred.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, often abbreviated as GAD, involves persistent and excessive worry about various things such as health, family, money, or work. The concern is usually unrealistic or out of proportion to the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety dominates the person’s thinking, interfering with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships. GAD is diagnosed when a person worries excessively about everyday problems for at least six months.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed. A fear of public spaces usually begins as panic disorder and becomes more complex over time. Individuals with agoraphobia fear being in situations where being able to escape might be difficult, or help might not be available if they were to have a panic attack. This fear leads them to avoid various locations, including crowded places, open spaces, or places where they have been panicked before.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as Social Phobia, is characterized by a strong fear of being judged by others and embarrassed. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of going to work or school or doing other everyday things. People with Social Anxiety Disorder worry that actions or behaviors associated with their anxiety will be negatively evaluated by others, leading them to feel embarrassed, humiliated, or judged. This leads to avoidance of social situations and severe distress when participation in social situations can’t be avoided.

Health Anxiety Disorders

Health Anxiety Disorders, also known as illness anxiety or hypochondriasis, are characterized by excessive worry about having a serious illness, even when there is no or only minimal symptoms. Individuals suffering from these disorders interpret normal physical sensations or minor symptoms as signs of severe physical illness and constantly seek medical evaluations for reassurance. These obsessive health concerns persist despite negative medical tests and reassurances from health professionals. This often results in significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. The exact cause of health anxiety disorders is unknown, but potential contributing factors can include a history of childhood illness, having a close family member with a serious disease, or an existing mental health disorder like anxiety or depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often effective in treating this condition, helping individuals to learn new ways of thinking about and managing their symptoms.

Specific Phobias

Among the numerous types of anxiety disorders, Specific Phobias are among the most common. They involve intense, irrational fear of specific objects, activities, or situations that pose little to no danger yet provoke anxiety and avoidance behavior. These phobias can focus on anything from flying, heights, and enclosed spaces to animals and insects. At the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center in Denver, Colorado, Charles D. Glass, Ph.D., provides comprehensive treatments to help individuals overcome these fears and reclaim their lives. Some specific phobias may include:

• Fear of Flying: Fear of flying can be a debilitating phobia for many individuals. This can stem from a lack of control, fear of crashing, or claustrophobia from being confined in a small space. The fear can become overwhelming and limit personal and professional opportunities. Symptoms range from palpitations, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, and panic attacks.
• Acrophobia: Fear of heights is one of the most common phobias. This fear can trigger an intense response, including dizziness, nausea, and severe panic, even when the individual is not particularly high up. It can significantly limit one’s life, causing people to avoid escalators, tall buildings, or scenic overlooks. While a certain degree of fear is normal when looking down from a high place, acrophobia is an excessive or irrational fear that can lead to anxiety and avoidance behavior.
• Claustrophobia: The fear of enclosed spaces can make everyday situations incredibly anxiety-provoking.
• Other Specific Phobias: Other phobias, like fear of animals or insects, can cause significant distress and avoidance behavior. These phobias often develop in childhood but can manifest in adulthood.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can vary depending on the type of disorder, but common signs include:

• Persistent and excessive worry or fear
• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Increased heart rate and rapid breathing
• Sweating and trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty controlling worry
• Avoidance of things that trigger anxiety

Why Treatment is Needed

People with anxiety disorders often experience a diminished quality of life. Constant worry and fear can make routine tasks overwhelming, prevent individuals from enjoying activities they once loved, and cause physical health issues over time.

Moreover, untreated anxiety disorders can increase the risk of other mental health conditions, such as depression. They can also lead to substance misuse, as some people may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms. Anxiety disorders can strain relationships, leading to social isolation. The stress and worry associated with these disorders can create tension and misunderstandings with family and friends, further contributing to isolation and loneliness.

Our Treatment Process

At the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center, Dr. Glass believes that each individual is unique, and so is their journey to wellness. That’s why we create a personalized treatment plan for each patient, which typically involves:

• Initial Consultation: We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your specific symptoms, their severity, and how they impact your life. This information is critical in developing an effective treatment strategy.
• Creating a Treatment Plan: Based on the initial assessment, Dr. Glass will create a personalized treatment plan that may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both.
• Ongoing Support and Adjustments: As treatment progresses, we offer ongoing support and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This flexible approach ensures that treatment remains effective as individuals learn to manage their anxiety.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing anxiety disorders may not always be possible, but some strategies can reduce their impact. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help manage stress levels. It’s also crucial to seek help early when symptoms arise. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and causing further complications.

Building strong social connections and seeking support from loved ones can provide valuable emotional support and help individuals feel understood and less alone. Additionally, limiting alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, which can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms, can be beneficial. Finally, learning and practicing stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of anxiety disorders treated at the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center?

The Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center offers treatments for various anxiety disorders, including Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Social Anxiety Disorder.

What treatment options are available for anxiety disorders?

Our treatment plans are personalized to each individual’s needs and may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination of both. The treatment plan is created after a thorough initial consultation and is regularly reviewed for effectiveness.

Can people with anxiety disorders lead normal lives?

Absolutely. People with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling, successful lives with the right treatment. Our treatment plans aim to reduce symptoms, improve overall well-being, and equip individuals with the tools to manage their condition.

Seeking Help is the First Step

With the right treatment, people with anxiety disorders can lead fulfilling lives. Therapy can help reduce symptoms, improve overall well-being, and equip individuals with the tools to manage their condition. While the journey toward wellness may have challenges, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible, and there’s no shame in seeking help. At the Colorado Anxiety Treatment Center, we understand that reaching out for help can be daunting. That’s why we’re committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment for individuals to begin their journey toward wellness. If you or a loved one are struggling with an anxiety disorder, please call us at 303-893-0112. Your call is the first step towards managing your anxiety and reclaiming your life.