Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition in which an individual experiences anxiety and worry which is excessive, in that their anxiety or worry is much more frequent or intense than warranted by the situation. For example, someone who worries about finances even though they are financially secure may have GAD. People with GAD feel anxious and worried more often than not, and about a number of different events, situations, and activities, such as work, finances, health, school performance, and relationships. Individuals with GAD find it very difficult to control or stop their worries. Symptoms of GAD vary from person to person, but may include one or more of the following:
- Inability to concentrate or focus
- Tiredness, or being easily fatigued
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Problems falling or staying asleep, or unsatisfying sleep
- Muscle aches or tension
- Stomachaches or nausea
- Feeling “keyed up” or “on edge”
- Worry causes significant distress
- Anxiety or worry interfere with work, school, or social relationships
Some people who suffer from GAD may do so with little or no identifiable cause. Others may believe their worry is justified or even helps them to maintain safety or high performance at home, work, school, or in other obligations. However, most others would agree that someone with GAD worries at a level that is unnecessary. For individuals with GAD, attempts to alleviate their anxiety, either on their own or with help from loved ones, may be met with failure, or only temporary success.
The Chicago Stress Relief Center specialize in the treatment of this pervasive anxiety disorder and have the necessary training and resources to deliver evidence-based treatment to GAD sufferers of all ages. We use Exposure Response Prevention therapy (ERP) in the treatment of GAD, as this is the therapy treatment which has proven most effective for a range of anxiety disorders. Through ERP, individuals with GAD learn to face their anxious triggers while decreasing their use of worry to cope, helping them gradually gain their lives back from GAD. We also offer treatment options which make use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other third-wave techniques, which have proven very useful in helping individuals with GAD learn to accept anxiety as a part of life, rather than fighting anxious feelings through excessive worry. If you or someone you know would benefit from specialized GAD treatment services, please contact us at 847-412-0922.
Health Anxiety
Illness Anxiety Disorder, which may also be known as “health anxiety” or “hypochondriasis,” is a mental health condition in which the individual is preoccupied by the idea that they have, or will get, a serious illness. People with Illness Anxiety Disorder experience fear about their health despite a lack of symptoms, or in the presence of only mild somatic symptoms, such as increased heart rate or sweating. Individuals with verified medical conditions can also develop Illness Anxiety Disorder if their concern is out of proportion to the actual threat posed by their medical status. For example, a person with a benign cyst could also have Illness Anxiety Disorder if they worry about developing cancer, despite confirmation from their doctor that the cyst is benign. Individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder feel compelled to engage in behaviors meant to reduce their anxiety and uncertainty about their health, such as checking the body for abnormalities. These behaviors may provide relief for their anxiety in the short term, but ultimately increase their anxiety about their health. Symptoms of Illness Anxiety Disorder vary across individuals, but may include one or more of the following:
- Feelings of distress about health
- Checking for signs of illness, such as by checking body temperature several times a day
- Interpreting benign bodily changes (e.g., in heart rate, pains, muscle tension or digestion) as signs of illness
- Avoiding routine medical appointments due to fear of what may be found, or
- Scheduling excessive appointments, tests, and procedures, sometimes with multiple doctors, to try achieving “certainty” about health status
- Seeking reassurance from loved ones or medical professionals about concern over symptoms
- Not believing loved ones or medical professionals when informed of good health
- Making unnecessary changes to diet or exercise regimens to avoid worsening assumed illnesses
Dr. Weissman and his staff at The Chicago Stress Relief Center, Ltd. specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders including Illness Anxiety Disorder and have the necessary training and resources to deliver evidence-based treatment to Illness Anxiety Disorder sufferers of all ages. We use Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) in the treatment of Illness Anxiety Disorder, as this is the therapy treatment which has proven most effective for a variety of anxiety disorders. Through ERP, individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder learn to face their anxiety while decreasing their compulsive checking and reassurance seeking behaviors, helping them gradually gain their lives back from health anxiety. If you or someone you know would benefit from our specialized health anxiety treatment services, please contact us at 847-412-0922 today!
Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder
Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder is a mental health condition in which an individual experiences symptoms of depression and symptoms of anxiety at the same time. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, an individual with Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder may not meet all of the diagnostic criteria for either a mood disorder or an anxiety disorder. Regardless, Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder is a serious and debilitating mental health condition, and the mood and anxiety symptoms in combination can be very difficult for the sufferer to cope with.
Often, the individual’s depressed and anxious feelings feed one another; for example, depressive symptoms may cause a person to postpone or avoid activities, causing them to feel pressured and anxious when they are no longer able to put them off. Similarly, anxiety may cause individuals to avoid activities which they would normally enjoy, increasing feelings of depression. Individuals may be experiencing Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder if the symptoms have lasted at least four months, and interfere with work, school, or social pursuits. Symptoms of Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder vary from person to person, but may include one or more of the following:
- Excessive worry about a number of topics
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Irritability
- Muscle tension or soreness
- Feeling hopeless or pessimistic
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Persistent tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness, or negative self-image
- Troubled sleep
- Increased or suppressed appetite
- Frequent crying
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
We use Exposure Response Prevention therapy (ERP) in the treatment of Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder, as this is the therapy treatment which has proven most effective for a range of anxiety disorders. Through ERP, individuals learn to face their anxious triggers while decreasing their use of worry to cope, helping them gradually gain their lives back from anxiety. We also incorporate Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression in the treatment of Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder. Behavioral Activation Therapy is a powerful tool whereby individuals gradually increase their engagement in enjoyable, valued activities to alleviate symptoms of depression. Finally, we also offer treatment options which make use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other third-wave techniques, which have proven very useful in helping individuals with Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder learn to accept anxiety, sadness, and other emotions as a part of life, rather than fighting their feelings and ultimately increasing their distress.
We at The Chicago Stress Relief Center specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders of all types and have the necessary training and resources to deliver evidence-based treatment to Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder sufferers of all ages. If you or someone you know would benefit from our Mixed Anxiety-Depressive Disorder treatment services, please contact us at (847) 412-0922.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as Social Phobia, is a mental health condition in which the person experiences excessive fear or anxiety in normal social situations. This anxiety is often due to fears that others will judge or criticize the person. Examples of situations where individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder may experience fear include: having conversations, meeting new people, giving a speech or performance, or eating or drinking in front of others. For a person to be diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, these situations must consistently provoke fear or anxiety; that is, it is the social situation itself, rather than a specific person or topic, which the individual fears.
Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder may attempt to manage their anxiety in a number of ways. Where possible, they may avoid the feared interactions entirely. When this is not possible, they may take steps to minimize the risk of criticism, such as over-rehearsing what they will say or minimizing eye contact. In the short term, these strategies may decrease anxiety. However, in the long term, anxiety and fear of judgement increase, making it even more difficult to engage in social interactions.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder vary from person to person, but may include one or more of the following:
- Feelings of anxiety, embarrassment, or shame in ordinary social situations
- Having a surge of anxiety or feeling unable to speak when noticed or “put on the spot”
- Panic attacks linked to social situations
- Trembling, stammering, or crying in social settings
- Avoidance of activities like attending class, job hunting, shopping, using public restrooms, going to parties, and dating
- Freezing or shrinking in social situations
- Underestimating one’s own social skills
- Overestimating the likelihood that others are being critical or judgmental
- Minimizing eye contact in social situations
- Speaking softly or infrequently in conversations
- Rehearsing what will be said
- Thinking negatively about how one performed in previous interactions
We at The Chicago Stress Relief Center specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders including Social Anxiety Disorder, and have the necessary training and resources to deliver evidence-based treatment to Social Anxiety Disorder sufferers of all ages. We use Exposure Response Prevention therapy (ERP) in the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder, as this is the therapy treatment which has proven most effective for a range of anxiety disorders. Through ERP, individuals learn to face social interactions gradually, helping them gain confidence in their social abilities. We also make use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder gauge the accuracy of their fears about being evaluated by others. If you or a loved one are suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder, we can help! Please contact us at (847-412-0922)
