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Anxiety, Panic, Phobias, and Stress

Symptoms of Anxiety:                                   

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety

QAren’t panic, anxiety, and phobias all pretty much the same?

AThere are some similarities and some differences. The symptoms listed above occur in all three disorders. Other symptoms that usually occur in all three disorders are: worry about bad things that may happen; overconcern with the opinions of others; and putting the needs of others ahead of your own needs.

QIs a panic attack an intense episode of anxiety?                        

ANo. Panic attacks can include all the symptoms of anxiety, but panic attacks also include some symptoms that do not occur in anxiety: difficulty breathing, hyperventilation (gasping for air), and the fear of dying, going crazy, or losing control. A fear of situations where you are not in control almost always occurs in both phobias and panic attacks.

QDoesn’t panic occur suddenly and unexpectedly?                      

AYes. You can be feeling fine and suddenly be hit with a panic attack which may last for a few minutes or a few hours. These attacks tend to occur while you are driving, when you are alone or away from home, and when you are in large, crowded stores or shopping malls. Between panic attacks, patients often worry that they will have an attack. Anxiety is usually more of a chronic problem, but it becomes worse in stressful situations.

QWhat is agoraphobia?                                                                  

AAfter one or more panic attacks, you are likely to fear and avoid situations where you may experience additional attacks or where getting away would be difficult. For example, you may prefer to sit near the door or aisle in theaters, restaurants, and in church.

QHow are phobias different from panic and anxiety?                    

APhobias come on only in very specific situations. Common phobias include heights, bridges, tunnels, elevators, and flying. As you approach these situations or think about approaching them, you begin to experience anxiety symptoms. You probably also feel an intense desire to get away. As you do get away, your symptoms diminish.

QAren’t these problems caused by a chemical imbalance?          

ANot really. Certain people are vulnerable to panic, anxiety, and phobias, probably due to a genetic predisposition, but no one knows exactly what biological factors make these individuals vulnerable. Medication can temporarily suppress your symptoms, but only psychological treatment can permanently cure your panic, anxiety, and phobias. In addition, virtually all anti-anxiety drugs are addictive. This means that after you take the drug for two to four months, the drug may start to lose its effectiveness and you may need to increase the dose to obtain the original effect.

QWhat is Behavior Therapy?                                                          

ABehavior therapy changes your behavior. If you have panic, anxiety, or phobias, we will teach you relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and how to cope with your symptoms when they occur. We will help you to gradually become comfortable in situations where you have previously experienced anxiety, panic, or phobias.

QWhat is Cognitive Therapy?                                                          

ACognitive Therapy attempts to change your beliefs which contribute to panic, anxiety, panic, and phobias. We help change your excessive worry about anxiety and bodily sensations. We also focus on diminishing your overconcern with the opinions of others, your tendency to put others' needs ahead of your own, and your fear of situations where you are not in control.

QWhat is psychotherapy?                                                              

AGeneral psychotherapy is effective for many psychological problems but it is usually not the most effective treatment for panic, anxiety, and phobias. If you have psychological problems in addition to panic, anxiety, and phobias, we use general psychotherapy along with Cognitive and Behavior Therapy.

QIf Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is so effective, why doesn’t everyone get treatment and get cured?                                          

A You may not know about Cognitive-Behavior Therapy; or you may be hoping that your symptoms will go away without professional help. Perhaps it's difficult for you to admit that you have a problem and you like to solve all your problems by yourself, without help. Also, most therapists in Union County are not trained in Cognitive- Behavior Therapy. Research as well as our experience with patients indicate that if you follow a proper Cognitive-Behavioral treatment program, you will be cured of anxiety, panic, and phobias.

QI can't believe that I could ever be free of these symptoms.      

AThat's not a question, but that's how everyone feels who has panic, anxiety, or phobias. And yet, if you get proper treatment, the day will probably come when it will be hard to remember that you once had these problems. Of course you don't really believe that, do you?

For more information or to make an appointment, you can call us at (908) 276-3888.



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