Treatment for Anxiety Disorders at Pasadena Villa Outpatient Center – Raleigh

What is an anxiety disorder?

It is natural for people to feel anxious or stressed during challenging times, when trying something new, or when there is a traumatic event. When the feelings of high anxiety and the associated symptoms persist, it is likely related to an anxiety disorder.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting over 40 million adults each year. A combination of adverse or stressful life events, personality, brain chemistry, or family history of anxiety disorders can all result in an individual developing an anxiety disorder. In addition, women are more than twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

Many individuals seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder have found work or school impossible due to the symptoms such as:

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Feeling tense and jumpy
• Restlessness or irritability
• Expecting the worst and being watchful for signs of danger
• Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
• Upset stomach
• Sweating, tremors, and twitches
• Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia

Anxiety disorders include several different conditions, with the most common being:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Chronic, unrealistic worry, and tension with little or no reason.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: An intense fear or overwhelming worry about social interaction.
• Panic Disorder: Characterized by panic attacks or unprovoked feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning.
• Phobias: An intense fear of an object or situation, such as heights or flying.

How are Anxiety Disorders treated at Pasadena Villa Outpatient Center – Raleigh?

The first step in treatment is to determine the type of anxiety disorder and the effects using a comprehensive clinical assessment. At Pasadena Villa Outpatient Center, clients are assessed using both a biopsychosocial and psychiatric evaluation in addition to standardized tools or questionnaires. The clinical team of licensed independent therapists, led by our Medical Director, observe and assess individuals over time in a variety of situations to further refine the clinical picture. A recent medical exam is also important to rule out any medical reasons causing the symptoms of anxiety.

A combination of psychotherapy and medication is considered “best practice” when treating anxiety disorders. Depending on the nature of the anxiety, medication may be provided for a short or ongoing period. Our holistic approach leverages all opportunities for support and change to improve the quality of life. We design a customized treatment plan to meet the individual needs of our clients. Several of our psychotherapy groups grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively increase a person’s understanding of the triggers of their anxiety and strategies to change unhelpful coping such as avoidance or excessive alcohol intake. Other groups such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Seeking Safety and Therapeutic Yoga teach new skills and methods to help break the grip of anxiety. Working together with other peers gives individuals a chance to practice their new skills and provides unique opportunities to address social anxiety. Clients graduate empowered with self-knowledge and tools to continue their recovery from mental illness.