Stress Solutions of New York has been successfully treating clients presenting anxiety problems in Long Island, NY and Suffolk County for over 40 years through treatment approaches such as Havening, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and the Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS).
Each of these modalities provide the ability to heal the source of one’s anxiety. They are also more quick acting than traditional talk therapy. In addition, each one enables the individual to learn and effectively use them on their own.
Read more about Anxiety below:
Professional Anxiety Treatment Services
At Stress Solutions of New York, we specialize in providing effective anxiety treatment services tailored to the needs of individuals in Long Island, NY. Our experienced team, led by licensed clinical social worker Bill Solz, is dedicated to helping you manage and overcome anxiety for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Anxiety Treatments, Symptoms & Causes
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. It can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the etiology (causes), symptoms, and various treatment options available for anxiety.
Genetic Factors
Family history: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. Specific genes associated with anxiety are still being studied.
Neurobiological Factors:
Imbalance in Neurotransmitters: Anxiety may be linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which play a role in regulating mood and stress responses.
Brain Structure: Differences in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for processing fear and emotion (e.g., the amygdala and prefrontal cortex), may contribute to anxiety.Environmental Factors
Stress: High levels of chronic stress, such as work-related stress, financial difficulties, or traumatic events, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders.
Early Life Experiences: Childhood experiences, including trauma, neglect, or overly protective parenting, can increase vulnerability to anxiety in adulthood.
Substance Abuse: The misuse of drugs or alcohol can contribute to anxiety symptoms or trigger anxiety disorders.
Psychological Factors
Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, high sensitivity, and a tendency to overthink or catastrophize, can increase the risk of developing anxiety.
Cognitive Factors: Negative thought patterns, such as excessive worry, irrational fears, and catastrophic thinking, are common in anxiety disorders.Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, cardiovascular issues, and chronic pain, can lead to symptoms of anxiety.
Medications
Some medications, including stimulants, corticosteroids, and certain asthma medications, can cause anxiety-like symptoms as side effects.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural emotional response to perceived threats or stress. It often presents as persistent worry, nervousness, or unease and can range from mild to severe. While occasional anxiety is part of everyday life, chronic anxiety may disrupt work, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s also a key component in conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety can stem from a variety of sources, often a combination of internal and external factors. Common causes include:
Past trauma or adverse experiences
Genetic predisposition or family history of anxiety
Imbalances in brain chemistry, especially involving neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine
Personality traits such as perfectionism or low self-esteem
Chronic stress related to work, health, finances, or relationships
Identifying the underlying causes can help guide treatment and coping strategies.
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of symptoms that can affect individuals differently. To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, a person typically experiences excessive worry or fear that persists over an extended period and significantly impairs their daily functioning. Here are common symptoms associated with anxiety:
Excessive Worry
Chronic, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, relationships, or impending disasters.
Restlessness
Feeling on edge, restless, or keyed up, often accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle tension or trembling.
Irritability
Becoming easily annoyed or irritable, often due to heightened stress and tension.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety can manifest physically, including symptoms like a rapid heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or experiencing frequent, vivid nightmares.
Fatigue
Feeling chronically tired, even after a full night’s sleep, due to the constant state of alertness.
Muscle Tension
Muscle aches and tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Cognitive Symptoms
Racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of being easily distracted.
Avoidance Behavior
Avoiding situations or places that trigger anxiety, which can lead to social isolation.
Panic Attacks
Intense, sudden episodes of extreme fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom.
There are several specific anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers. Common anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, often without a specific cause.
Panic Disorder
Involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear and discomfort.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Marked by an intense fear of social situations and a fear of being judged or embarrassed in front of others.
Specific Phobias
Intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Involves recurring obsessions (unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) performed to alleviate anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Develops following exposure to a traumatic event and includes symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Agoraphobia
The fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, leading to avoidance of crowded places or public transportation.
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and various approaches can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of the anxiety disorder, as well as individual preferences. Here are some common treatment options:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. It provides strategies to modify behavior and reduce avoidance.
Exposure Therapy: This form of CBT involves gradual exposure to feared situations or objects, allowing individuals to confront and manage their anxiety.
Havening: A psychosensory technique that uses gentle touch and distraction methods to alter how the brain processes traumatic or stressful memories, aiming to reduce emotional distress and promote healing.
DNMS: A gentle, client-centered ego state therapy that helps adults heal unresolved childhood attachment wounds by using internal nurturing and protective parts of self to meet unmet developmental needs and reprocess painful emotions.
RTM: The Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) protocol is a brief, non-invasive therapy that helps individuals rapidly reduce or eliminate symptoms of PTSD by safely reprocessing traumatic memories without requiring them to relive the trauma.
Medication
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are effective in treating anxiety disorders.
Benzodiazepines: These medications, such as diazepam and lorazepam, provide short-term relief from severe anxiety but carry a risk of dependency and are generally used sparingly.
Lifestyle Changes
Practicing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce anxiety.
Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are essential for overall well-being and anxiety management
Support Groups
Joining support groups for individuals with similar anxiety disorders can provide a sense of community and shared experiences.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Some people find relief from anxiety through complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, or herbal supplements like chamomile or valerian root. However, the efficacy of these approaches may vary, and it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction.