ANXIETY DISORDERS

Many people suffer from anxiety disorders.  Anxiety can be a normal response to the stressors in our life, or it can become worse over time and cause distress and dysfunction.  I provide psychotherapy for anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression and sexual abuse.  My private practice in San Jose treats families and individuals of all ages.  The following is a brief description of some of the most common anxiety disorders:

1.   Panic Disorder - recurrent unexpected panic attacks (sudden onset of intense apprehension, fear or terror) with ongoing concerns that attacks will reoccur.
   

1.   Generalized Anxiety Disorder - at least 6 months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry.
   

1.   Specific Phobia - anxiety provoked by exposure to a fear object or situation leading to avoidance of the feared object or situation.
   

1.   Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - obsessions (thoughts) that cause anxiety or distress, and compulsions (behaviors) that serve to neutralize the obsessive thoughts.
   

1.   Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - anxiety in response to a traumatic event in which the event is re-experienced, and avoidance of people, memories or things that are associated with the traumatic event.
   

Some common treatment goals may include:

1.   Reducing stress and anxiety with relaxation techniques.
   

2.   Developing healthy coping strategies.
   

3.   Identifying and resolving underlying issues that are the source of anxiety.
   

4.   Developing healthy relationships and increasing social activity.
   

5.   Gradual exposure to the feared object or situation.
   

© 2009 Terryann Sanders.  All rights reserved.