Anxiety

Depressed young businessmanAnxiety is currently the most common psychological problem facing individuals. This is true not only for men and women but also for children and adolescents. Prevalence estimates for anxiety disorders range from 10 to 20%. Anxiety disorders have been shown to remain stable throughout childhood and adolescence in the absence of treatment and result in moderate to severe disruptions in personal, social, and occupational development. Left untreated, anxiety disorders tend to persist and can lead to additional difficulties including depression and substance use.

How do I know if I am experiencing anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension, tension, or uneasiness related to the expectation of something bad happening. Some common manifestations of anxiety in adults include chronic worry, panic attacks or periods of intense anxious distress, unrealistic fears and/or avoidance of specific objects or situations (e.g., social situations, air or other forms of travel, animals, bridges), inability to venture away from home, intrusive and repetitive thoughts and/or behaviors, and somatic complaints (e.g., nausea, heart racing, chest tightness).

What types of services are offered by the Anxiety Program?

Cognitive-behavioral (CB) therapy is an extremely effective method for the treatment of anxiety disorders. CB treatments focus on helping individuals to change both their unhealthy thinking styles and maladaptive behaviors and often involve highly structured, time-limited (7-20) sessions, skill-building sessions.

If you think you or your child my be suffering from anxiety, call us for a confidential assessment. If it is determined that you (or your child) are experiencing excessive anxiety, our expert evaluators will help you to select an appropriate course of treatment. Cognitive-behavioral interventions are often employed in conjunction with other treatment modalities (e.g., medication, art therapy). At the Center for Psychological Services, individualized treatment programs are created with recognition of clients’ unique preferences, needs and individual learning styles.