Anxiety & Depressive Disorders

Therapy for Anxiety & Depressive Disorders

Anxiety and Depressive Disorders are characterized by a change in how we think, feel, and behave. They may cause physical symptoms, such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, heart palpitations, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.  

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by worry and anxiety that persists for the majority of the week for at least 6 months. Those with this disorder find it difficult to control anxieties and fears and as a result often become restless, edgy, fatigued, irritable, have difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and often have muscle tension. The excessive worry impairs life functioning. It is not better explained by another mental disorder, medical condition, or drug use. 

Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder is characterized by depressed mood most of the day that persists for at least 2 weeks. Individuals report feeling sad, hopeless and empty and often lose interest in daily life activities. Those with this disorder may feel fatigued and have low energy which often coexists with insomnia or hypersomnia symptoms. They may also lose or gain a significant amount of weight and experience appetite changes. These individuals often feel worthless, have difficulty concentrating, and often have suicidal thoughts, suicidal ideation, or have made suicide attempts. It is important to rule out any other mental or physical health issues or drug use that may contribute to the life impairment.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by obsessions (recurrent thoughts or urges that are intrusive and cause anxiety) and an attempt to control or suppress the urges or replace them with another action to neutralize them. Compulsions consist of repetitive behaviors (hand washing, ordering, checking) and the individual feels they must perform these actions according to a specific set of rules. The compulsive behaviors are attempts to reduce anxiety and are time consuming and create distress in major areas of life functioning. It is important to check that these symptoms are not a result of another mental or physical health diagnosis or drug use.

Trauma and Stress Related Disorders

Trauma and stress related disorders cause clinically significant psychological distress as a result of exposure to traumatic or stressful events. Some exhibit symptoms of anxiety or fear and worry, while others exhibit anhedonic or dysphoric symptoms.