Anxiety Treatment in Dallas, TX

Facts About Anxiety

That feeling of a looming danger – as though something terrible is about to happen – can be crippling and overpowering. But while many of us might feel unease or apprehension when foreshadowing future events, individuals suffering from anxiety might be wholly hindered by fear. Anxiety disorder can interfere with occupational and social activities and is characterized by a severe feeling of concern, worry, or fear.

Today, it’s estimated that 40 million adults in the United States deal with anxiety disorder. And while the numbers might be overwhelming, there are effective treatments that can help individuals move beyond their anxiety to function in their daily lives without worry and apprehension.

Fast Facts: Anxiety in Numbers

284 million people worldwide struggle with anxiety
8 million adults suffer from General Anxiety Disorder in the United States
8% of adults with anxiety experienced severe impairment in everyday functioning
Anxiety in adolescents is more common among females than in males
Approximately 31.1% of all US adults have experienced anxiety at some time in their life
Of individuals reporting to have had a suicide attempt, 70% had anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms associated with every other mental health problem

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

Many different conditions have anxiety as one of their main symptoms. These can be categorized based on the cause of the stress or the specific situations when the symptoms manifest. Some of them include:

Panic disorder: Characterized by sudden panic attacks or fear with no apparent cause. These episodes can come with a whirlwind of physical and mental symptoms that can hinder an individual.
Phobias: This specific anxiety disorder has a known trigger but is rarely an actual threat. For instance, some individuals might experience claustrophobia – or fear of enclosed spaces – which might not be a real danger.
Post-traumatic stress disorder: Previous traumas might trigger an individual, thus causing physiological distress. A good example would be war veterans experiencing panic, fear, or anxiety when confronted with loud noises that remind them of the battlefield.
Social anxiety disorder: This specific disorder manifests when an individual faces a social situation. Social phobias can manifest anxiety symptoms when making a phone call, ordering at a restaurant, visiting distant relatives, and any other kind of situation that calls for interaction.

On the other hand, general anxiety disorder or GAD is characterized by symptoms of anxiety with no specific cause. That is, an individual may experience stress in various situations and not just one. People who struggle with GAD will typically feel anxious on most days, making it difficult to ease up or relax even when there isn’t anything to cause the feelings. GAD can cause various symptoms and may even go hand in hand with panic disorder if the symptoms are severe enough. Some of the symptoms include:

Nervousness
Restlessness
A sense of impending danger
Increased heart rate
Increased respiratory rate
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling faint or weak
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty falling asleep
Stomach pains
Constipation or diarrhea
No appetite or overeating

Remember that for these symptoms to qualify under general anxiety disorder, the cause must be either unknown or irrational. If the reason for the distress is a known danger that can impose actual harm or pain on the individual, then the symptoms would be justified. That brings us to the difference between anxiety and fear. Anxiety happens when an individual feels nervous or worried about a perceived however unreasonable threat, while fear occurs when an individual is faced with real danger.

How Do You Know When Anxiety is a Problem?

On the one hand, it’s normal for an individual to experience anxiety. In many ways, it’s a survival instinct that kicks in and helps us to avoid situations that could potentially harm us. However, on the other hand, unreasonable anxiety or GAD can interfere with everyday functioning. A person will likely receive a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder when these symptoms:

Get in the way of work, relationships, responsibilities, and personal care
become too tricky to control
Persist over long periods, making it difficult for the individual to calm his or herself
Urge an individual to seek alternative methods to remain calm, such as illicit drugs and other harmful substances
Produce suicidal thoughts or attempts
Are potentially linked to another underlying health condition

Risk Factors for Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety, but not everyone develops the disorder. Studies have found that some people might be at a higher risk of getting a GAD diagnosis than others, which can be linked to the number of risk factors they qualify for. The more of these factors that a person has, the more likely they are to experience problematic anxiety:

Previous traumas: Individuals who have gone through abuse or neglect are more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Traumatic events like accidents, severe injuries, and other similar, life-threatening encounters can significantly increase an individual’s risk.
Stress: From an underlying disease or everyday life, mounting stress can make an individual more worrisome and panicky. Anxiety can stem from one major life event or may build up over time.
Personality predisposition: Certain personality types are more prone to anxiety. Individuals who are more likely to keep to themselves, those who aren’t as outgoing or personable, and those who tend to act more cautious are at a higher risk.
Drugs and alcohol use or misuse: As a substance’s concentration wanes, an individual may start to feel withdrawal symptoms. During this time, they’re likely to experience worry, fear, and nervousness due to their use. Some drugs also cause paranoia, which may induce anxiety disorders.
Other underlying health conditions: A variety of mental health conditions can make a person feel more anxious than they should. Health conditions affecting other body areas, like heart disease or diabetes, have triggered anxiety.
Family history: Individuals with relatives diagnosed with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder themselves.

How Does Anxiety Work?

It’s believed that anxiety comes from a chemical imbalance in some brain regions. Serotonin – a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating pressure, among others – seems higher in individuals with the disorder. But more than that, stress also impacts brain activity. Researchers have found that there isn’t one specific area active during an anxiety attack but several. And while it’s not entirely clear yet, science is showing that anxiety may result from improper or faulty communication between the ‘cognitive’ or thinking brain and the ‘emotional’ brain.

This means that individuals with anxiety might be unable to rationalize the absence of actual danger. For example, you might be walking in a well-lit, safe neighborhood at night, knowing that there haven’t been any instances of crimes in the area. But even with this actual, rational knowledge, your brain cannot transmit this information to the areas that regulate emotion, like the amygdala. And the result is that you feel anxious, panicked, and worried as you walk. That said, anxiety works as though the brain’s emotional areas overpower the rational ones.

Our Anxiety Treatment in Dallas, TX

Treatment for anxiety disorder is a twofold process. One aspect is medication, while the other involves therapy and counseling. The most used remedies for anxiety are a form of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These medications aim to regulate serotonin levels which are typically too high in individuals with anxiety.

On the other hand, behavioral therapies target underlying issues that might be causing anxiety. This includes unearthing past traumas that might have a lasting impact on the individual’s psyche. Another type of therapy is gradual desensitization, in which patients are exposed to stimulation that might induce their anxiety. Throughout the process, they’re given pointers on what to do, how to react, and how to rationalize to prevent their emotions from worsening. Over time, patients learn to adapt specific techniques they can use in real-life situations to function without fear and worry.

Our dual diagnosis anxiety treatment programs integrate both psychiatry and psychotherapy while addressing other co-occurring disorders. Our primary treatment programs include:

Get Started With Lighthouse Recovery Texas

Find relief and reclaim your life from anxiety disorders with Lighthouse Recovery’s specialized treatment in Dallas. Take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced future by contacting us to day to starting your anxiety disorder treatment journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anxiety Treatment in Dallas, TX

What is anxiety treatment?

Anxiety treatment involves various therapeutic approaches designed to help individuals manage and reduce their anxiety symptoms. Treatments can include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both, tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

What types of anxiety disorders are treated in Dallas, TX?

In Dallas, TX, specialists treat a range of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and phobias. Each condition has specific treatments that are proven effective.

How do I know if I need anxiety treatment?

Suppose anxiety symptoms disrupt your daily life, causing significant distress or impairing your ability to function at work, at home, or in social settings. In that case, it may be time to seek treatment. Symptoms can include persistent worry, physical symptoms like restlessness or a racing heart, and avoidance of certain situations.

What types of therapies are available for anxiety in Dallas, TX?

Standard therapies for anxiety in Dallas include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and medication management. Additionally, some clinics offer newer modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness practices.

How can I find a qualified anxiety therapist in Dallas, TX?

You can find a qualified anxiety therapist by consulting your primary care physician for a referral, searching online therapy directories, or contacting local mental health clinics. Be sure to check the credentials and experience of any therapist you consider.

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