Basics On Anxiety Therapy Toronto Residents Should Know

By Daphne Bowen


Getting anxious is normal and something that all of us have deal with from time. As a matter of fact, it is regarded as a normal response to stimuli as it helps us detect dangers in our environments and initiate the appropriate response. Anxiety may also become abnormal in some cases requiring therapy. To understand the available modalities for anxiety therapy Toronto residents need to know some basics regarding the disorder.

Diagnosis of the condition is largely clinical. The doctor takes a history of the illness and upon suspecting anxiety refers the client to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Affected persons will either avoid to respond or will respond excessively to protect themselves. There is significant impairment of normal functioning as a result of these responses. While the ordinary person responds normally to what is considered abnormal stimuli, a person with the disorder reacts abnormally to normal stimuli.

There are several subtypes that exist. These include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorders, agoraphobia, social phobia and specific phobias. There are some differences in the manner of presentation and treatment for each subtype. We will explore a few of them. In generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, the affected individual is anxious to a wide range of activities or events. However, they cannot identify these events or activities.

GAD often coexists with other disorders such as depression and other subtypes of anxiety. It has been associated with alcoholism and suicidal tendencies. Patients will have nonspecific symptoms that include insomnia, generalized fatigue and chronic pain. The symptoms are typically intermittent and patients often relapse even after cure has been achieved. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is one of the commonly used forms of treatment. Others include systemic desensitization, hypnosis, relaxation therapy and pharmacotherapy.

Social phobia is the most common phobia with a lifetime prevalence rate of about 8%. The main feature is the presence of an intense form of fear that is persistently present in the presence of a certain object or event. There is a strong desire to flee from this object or event. Most people with this disorder greatly fear public embarrassment that may be caused by impulsive acts. There is significant interference with social relationships and normal functioning.

Specific phobias are fears of specific objects or situations. These include animals, insects, heights of buildings and dental procedures among others. Simple phobias do not always impair normal functioning and many people with this problem lead near normal lives. The most important thing is to avoid the phobic situation. The onset is in the years of early childhood. Treatments for this therapy include pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The diagnosis has to be confirmed using investigations. At times, medical conditions may have similar symptoms and it is important that these are ruled out. Some blood tests may be required depending on the suspicion of your doctor. MRI and CT scan are some of the most commonly used imaging modalities.

When seeking the treatment for anxiety disorder, you need to understand there are several subtypes that exist all with varying treatments. Proper classification is the first step to finding the most effective form of management to be employed. The therapy will typically be administered by mental health experts such as psychiatrist and psychologists.




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