Understanding Anxiety

People with anxiety disorders often experience excessive, irrational fear about everyday situations, which can manifest in physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and fatigue. It’s important to understand that anxiety disorders are not just a manifestation of ‘nerves’ — they are serious medical conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Types of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, each with unique features, triggers, and coping mechanisms. While they all share the common theme of excessive fear and worry, their manifestations can be quite distinct. According to NIMH, the following are the most common types of anxiety:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various things such as health, work, social interactions, and everyday life circumstances.
• Panic Disorder: Individuals with panic disorder have recurrent unexpected panic attacks. These sudden, intense periods of fear peak quickly within minutes.
• Phobia-Related Disorders: Involve a pronounced fear or aversion to specific situations or objects that are not proportionate to the actual danger posed by the specific situation or object.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Experiencing a significant amount of fear, embarrassment, or humiliation in social performance situations, causing the individual to avoid such settings.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions).
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Can develop after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.

Each type of anxiety disorder can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, from their relationships to their ability to work and engage in everyday activities. It is essential to recognize that no two individuals will experience anxiety disorders in the same way, and treatment may vary depending on the person’s unique needs.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders often manifest through various physical and psychological symptoms that can significantly interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities. While the specific symptoms may vary based on the type of anxiety disorder, there are some common signs associated with these conditions. According to the CDC, these are some of the typical symptoms that an individual experiencing anxiety might exhibit: 

• Feeling restless or on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Muscle tension or pain
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Racing heart or heart palpitations
• Sweating and chills
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Headaches or migraines
• Insomnia or difficulty falling/staying asleep
• Panic attacks, which can include trembling, shaking, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions. As a result, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis if you experience any of these symptoms. 

Risk Factors for Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can be triggered by a collection of risk factors that encompass genetic, environmental, physical, and psychological components. The presence of one or more of these factors might increase an individual’s susceptibility to developing an anxiety disorder, but does not guarantee the onset of an anxiety disorder. Here are some of the most commonly identified risk factors associated with anxiety disorders: 

• Genetic factors: Having a family history of mental health disorders might increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.
• Personality type: Individuals with certain personality types might be more prone to anxiety disorders than others.
• Health conditions: Certain chronic or severe health conditions, such as heart disease, may trigger or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
• Stressful events: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as abuse or the death of a loved one, can provoke anxiety disorders.
• Substance abuse: Excessive consumption or withdrawal from addictive substances, including alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, can lead to anxiety symptoms.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop anxiety disorders than men.

Consult with a healthcare professional if you believe you’re at risk. They can provide comprehensive advice and appropriate treatment options tailored to your individual circumstances. It’s also important to understand that each person’s experience with anxiety disorders is unique. What may trigger an episode for one individual may not affect another similarly. Consider these risk factors as potential contributors rather than definite causes of anxiety disorders.

Treatment Options for Anxiety

There are many effective treatment options available for managing and treating anxiety disorders. These treatments aim to alleviate the symptoms and equip individuals with coping strategies to manage their anxiety in the long term. Treatment selection often depends on the individual’s specific type and severity of anxiety, personal circumstances, and overall health condition. Rising Phoenix Wellness Services offers several treatment options for Anxiety in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our program offerings include:

• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP provides a comprehensive and structured alternative to inpatient treatment. Groups are available 5 days per week and provided in an outpatient environment. Clients will have access to a minimum of 20 hours of multidisciplinary care and individualized treatment planning in a community environment. Our continuum of care is founded on best practice guidelines and offers a seamless transition to a lower level of services.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP provides a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy. Clients have access to this structured group therapy a minimum of 3-5 days per week. Groups are available morning, evenings, and weekends in a nurturing environment. We offer a customized treatment approach to our specific programs as well as consistent psychoeducation and process groups.
• Outpatient Program (OP): Clients who complete the IOP program have the opportunity to remain at RPWS for additional outpatient therapy. Clients will have access to structured group therapy 1-2 days per week. Our long-term treatment model offers a seamless transition to a lower level of care.

Find Treatment for Anxiety in Scottsdale, Arizona

Rising Phoenix Wellness Services (RPWS) is a state-licensed IOP located in North Scottsdale. Our team is dedicated to providing sophisticated services to help those struggling with mental health and/or substance use concerns. We offer a client-centered continuum of comprehensive and individualized care.

If you are struggling with anxiety, we can help you find relief from your symptoms and manage your anxiety more effectively. Call our toll-free line at (480) 681-4386 for a confidential conversation where you can learn more about our programs.