Anxiety, How do you know if you may be suffering from it? According to Howard Rosenthal’s book Human Services Dictionary, it can be defined as a feeling of dread or extreme fear without awareness of what is causing the distress. This is often distinguished from a phobia where the person is aware of what is causing the apprehension. Many people experience anxiety which can manifest itself in a wide variety of symptoms for an even larger number of reasons. Some people experience apprehension when entering social situations or taking on a new job or speaking in front of a crowd of people. Other individuals experience this issue when exposed to certain objects (snakes) or after having experienced a traumatic event.
Below you will find a list of symptoms that pertain to anxiety which can help you better determine if it is the cause of your current problematic health concerns. This is not an extensive list but rather a short version of the most noted anxiety symptoms. These symptoms are taken from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
- Excessive worry
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbance
Anxiety diagnoses
Due to the different types of stimuli that can promote anxiety for different people, there are multiple diagnoses to categorize each type. By identifying which category you fall under the best treatment options for your specific disorder can be discovered. The following is a list of disorders taken from the DSM-5:
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
- Panic Disorder – Answers to your Panic Disorder questions at APA.org
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety therapy treatment
There are numerous techniques that can be utilized to decrease an individual’s level and help him or her function better in day-to-day life. The following list is a few of the techniques I utilize most during therapy sessions to help individuals.
- Deep Breathing
- Mindfulness
- Relaxation
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Also, See Family Conflict
Also, See Behavioral Issues
Treatable Counseling Issues:
- Anger Management
- Attention Deficit (ADHD)
- Coping Skills
- Dual Diagnosis
- Entitlement
- Oppositional Defiance
- Self Esteem
- Fears
- Child or Adolescent
- Depression
- Emotional Disturbance
- Life Coaching
- Relationship Issues
Mental Health:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Mood Disorders
Treatment Approach:
- Coaching
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Family Systems Therapy
- Family/Marital Therapy
- Intervention
Modality:
- Couples
- Family
- Individuals