North Port Magazine - November 2012

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North Port Magazine - November 2012

Psychotherapy can lesson generalized anxiety disorder

Concerns are part of life for most people that are expressed as fears and worry periodically through day to day activities. But people with generalized anxiety disorder, (GAD), worry all the time – about money, health, family, work or almost anything. Just the thought of getting through the day can trigger intense fears.

People with GAD think a lot about potential danger or disaster. They often look ahead, trying to make sure bad thing don’t happen. People with GAD often make frequent safety checks to make sure things are ok which may lead to other possible diagnoses. For example, repeatedly call to see if a relative made it home from work safely while worrying excessively that something has gone wrong. They also tend to: 

·         Feel restless, irritable and have trouble concentrating.

·         Have muscle muscle tension, fatigue, trembling, headaches, or other physical symptoms.

·         Anticipate the worst, even though there is little reason to expect it.  

People often don’t understand the symptoms, which also can include heart palpitations, perspiring, trouble sleeping, and even tingling in the the extremities. Many people who suffer from anxiety or panic disorder will find themselves in the emergency room because they think they are having a medical emergency like a heart attack. The symptoms are intense and can be exacerbated by how the individual perceives the situation.  

GAD can begin at any age, but it usually starts during childhood or adolescence, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Approximately twice as many woman as men are affected. This may be due to males’ efforts to self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs to minimize symptoms or that males are less likely to seek treatment. Researchers are working to pinpoint the cause of GAD, they suspect genes may play a role.   

The good news, people who are diagnosed with GAD by a licensed therapist or psychiatrist, generally experience considerable relief from their symptoms. Diagnosing the specific type of anxiety the person is experiencing is critical to determining the type of treatment options available. 

Those individuals who suspect there are experiencing symptoms associated with GAD or related anxiety disorder should start by talking with their primary care physician (PCP) to rule out any medical explanation for their symptoms. Once their PCP rules out a physical cause, they will refer the patient to a licensed mental health professional for further treatment.  

An effective treatment of choice for GAD is cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT). CBT teaches the patient to change their thinking patterns associated with GAD while responding differently to situations that cause their anxiety. The behavioral component includes learning how to relax and respond to their symptoms employing techniques they discussed in therapy.  

At Estar Counseling Services, Inc. we focus directly with the symptoms that are specifically related to the heightened state of anxiety. We work with the patient in a confidential setting to determine what is causing the anxiety and once this is accomplished it is easier to find ways to work through the anxiety.  

Anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants may also be used in conjunction with talk therapy. It can take several weeks for the medications to take full-effect. If one medication is not effective, others may be tried.  

A key to preventing and conquering anxiety is to properly learn to manage stress. The less stress we allow into our lives, the less likely they are to experience clinical anxiety. 

Those that identify their stressors and find a way to relieve their stress are more likely to minimize the symptoms of their stress and subsequently their anxiety. 

Easy ways to manage the stress in all of our lives includes, limiting alcohol, getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating properly.  Making time to do something enjoyable for ourselves is crucial to our emotional well-being.  

Bio

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintain a private practice in North Port, FL.

With over 20 years’ experience as a marriage and family therapist, and as a graduate of Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in brief therapy, I am currently a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.

In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, I have presented at local conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of ADHD, stress, and relationship issues.

I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach provides support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, he works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.

Web site

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I have spent several hours preparing my updated web site. It is still a work in progress but if you have the time take a look at it and tell me what you think at www.estarcounseling.com

Welcome to Estar Counseling Services, Inc.

Hi fellow bloggers,

My name is Dr. Paul and would like to welcome you to my blog. This is an exciting opportunity for me to reach out to the blogging community in my local area as well as beyond to share my insights with each of you. I have been practicing for over 20 years as a licensed counselor.

Enough about me.

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