Positive Pathways provides individual and group counseling/therapy for anxiety in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
Anxiety, what is it?
Some ways to recognize anxiety-related issues, include:
- It is very prolonged or severe
- It happens in the absence of a stressful event
- It is interfering with everyday activities such as going to work or socializing
The following symptoms can occur as a result:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Tightness or pain in chest
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty swallowing
Psychological symptoms can include:
- Insomnia
- Irritability or anger
- Inability to concentrate
- Fear of madness
- Feeling unreal and not in control of your action
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Phobia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy are two effective anxiety disorder treatments. Both are types of behavioral therapy, meaning they focus on behavior rather than on underlying psychological conflicts or issues from the past. Behavioral therapy for anxiety usually takes between 5 and 20 weekly sessions.
- Cognitive-behavior therapy – As the name suggests, cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on thoughts—or cognitions—in addition to behaviors. When used in anxiety disorder treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you identify and challenge the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs that are fueling your anxiety.
- Exposure therapy – In exposure therapy for anxiety disorder treatment, you confront your fears in a safe, controlled environment. Through repeated exposures, either in your imagination or in reality, to the feared object or situation, you gain a greater sense of control. As you face your fear without being harmed, your anxiety gradually diminishes.
Medication For Anxiety Disorders
A variety of medications, including benzodiazepines and antidepressants, are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. But medication is most effective when combined with behavioral therapy. When compared to those who use medication alone, anxiety sufferers treated with both therapy and medication benefit from a greater reduction in symptoms and a lower risk of relapse.
Contact Positive Pathways today at 412-894-8222 for all your Pittsburgh, PA anxiety counseling needs.
Email Us
