Are You Wondering if You Have an
Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorders are more common than alcohol and drug abuse, but they are the least treated.  Anxiety disorders often do not occur separate from other disorders.  Often they are associated with depression, subtance abuse, non-anginal chest pain, headaches, and digestive disorders, such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).   The result is that many patients are often left confused about what is really wrong with them, even after consulting with many medical specialists. 

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Panic Disorder
The panic attack is the primary symptom of panic disorder, in which a person might experience the following: pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, a fear of losing control, dizziness, abdominal distress, and a fear of "going crazy," or dying.  Dr. Becker has successfully treated many people who have been finally diagnosed with panic disorder after having gone to emergency rooms believing they are having a heart attack. 

Phobias
Phobias are persistent, excessive fears of specific objects, situations, or activities.

• Specific Phobia--Such as fear of flying or of cats; the fear leads to avoidance of objects or situations, and can cause people to unnecessarily limit their lives
• Social Phobia--A disabling fear of scrutiny or embarrassment in social situations, such as fear of public speaking or meeting people; this fear leads to avoidance of many potentially pleasurable and meaningful activities.
• Agoraphobia--This is a fear of being in situations in which it is feared that escape may be difficult or humiliating. When severe, a person may become afraid to leave their home.  Untreated panic disorder may lead to agoraphobia.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessions are repeated, upsetting, and irrational thoughts that cannot be controlled through reasoning or reassurance. To try to reduce the obsessions, a person might engage in compulsions, which are repeated behaviors, such as repeated hand-washing, or repeated checking to make sure doors are locked or a stove is turned off. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Constant, exaggerated worry and tension about everyday life events and activities, lasting at least six months, that interferes with daily functioning.  People with GAD irrationally expect the worst.  Physical symptoms may include muscle tension, headache, nausea, and fatigue. They may also have difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
People with PTSD have survived a severe or terrifying even such as rape or other criminal assault, combat, child abuse, natural or human-caused disasters or crashes.  Recurring flashbacks, nightmares, numbing of emotions, depression, and feeling angry or distracted, and easily startled are common.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Dr. Becker has successfully treated her patients with anxiety disorders using combinations of talk therapies, Clinical Hypnosis and EMDR.

• www.apa.org/topics/topic.anxiety.html (American Psychological Assoc.)
• www.anxietynetwork.com
• www.anxiety-panic.com
• http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ca-0007/default.asp (Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents)
• www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml  (NIMH: Anxiety Disorders)