Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response that everyone experiences in certain life situations. When we are faced with a threat, a potentially dangerous situation, or intense periods of stress, anxiety is our body’s way of telling us that something is not right.
But, when anxiety starts to overwhelm and interfere with your everyday life it can become a significant problem.
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness affecting one in 20 people at any given time. The causes of anxiety disorders are not fully known. Research suggests that you can be at heightened risk due to factors such as genetics, personal characteristics (such as low self-esteem) or the way in which your brain functions.
Left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to depression and an inability to function day to day.
When is Anxiety a Problem?
You may have an anxiety disorder if you:
- Experience persistent levels of high anxiety about everyday events
- Have feelings of helplessness and confusion
- Have physical responses to everyday situations. For example a pounding heartbeat, breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea or hot & cold sweats
- Are irritable and restless
- Experience panic attacks
Anxiety Disorders
The most common anxiety disorders include:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD affects around 5% of the Australian population. It is characterised by excessive worry and irrational fears about everyday events. People with GAD find it difficult to ‘turn off’ this worry and to fall asleep at night.
Social Anxiety Disorder
A person with Social Anxiety Disorder experiences overwhelming and persistent anxiety when faced with social interactions. Fear of intense scrutiny, negativity, humiliation and embarrassment trigger the anxiety. This disorder affects around 3 to 13% of the Australian population.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterised by recurrent panic attacks with a constant fear of experiencing another attack. Agoraphobia may develop in conjunction with this disorder, causing the sufferer to avoid places and situations outside of the home for fear of triggering an attack. Panic Disorder affects around 2% of the population, but 30% of Australians have experienced a panic attack in any given year.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a set of reactions that may develop after a person experiences a traumatic or frightening event. More than one-quarter of a million Australians experience PTSD in any one year. Symptoms of PTSD can include constantly reliving the event through memories, dreams and flashbacks. A PTSD sufferer will avoid places, people or normal life experiences that bring back memories of the event.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD affects about 2 to 3% of the Australian population. A person with this debilitating disorder develops overwhelming thoughts or impulses (obsessions) and feels compelled to carry out ritualistic behavioural and mental acts (compulsions).
Treatment for Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders can be treated. There are a number of effective treatments available and psychologists often use a combination of approaches.
For the majority of anxiety disorders, psychological treatments are the most successful. They aim to change the patterns of behaviours, thoughts and beliefs which trigger anxiety. Common treatment methods include cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, behavioural therapy and solution-focussed therapy. Your psychologist may also use desensitization, which is a slow and gradual process of exposing a person to the trigger that causes anxiety to the point where the fear associated no longer poses a threat.
Education about anxiety is also an important treatment step. Talking about your disorder and dispelling the fears and myths that are commonly held about it assists in moving forward to recovery.
Anxiety management techniques may also be implemented. These include the challenging of unhelpful thoughts, learning new coping strategies, breathing exercises and relaxation training.
If agreed by your medical practitioner, medication may also be used. Using medication alone will not cure your anxiety disorder but it can help control your symptoms whilst you are receiving psychological care.
Life Resolutions Psychologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating anxiety. If you would like to find out how we can help, contact the Client Relationship Team today.
There is lots of detailed information available about anxiety disorders. If you would like to find out more, visit our Helpful Links page.
Medicare Rebates
Medicare rebates are available for psychological treatment by registered psychologists under the Australian Government’s Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. This scheme provides considerable financial assistance to people living with mental heath problems, allowing them greater access to psychologists and providing more affordable mental healthcare.
To access the Medicare Rebate, you need your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician to complete a detailed mental health assessment and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan before referring you to a psychologist.
You may be eligible to receive Medicare rebates immediately into your bank account when paying for your session by cash, credit card, EFTPOS or cheque at all Life Resolutions® locations.
We can help
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