Anxiety Therapy in Denver

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where individuals fear and avoid places or situations that might cause panic or feel difficult to escape, such as open spaces, crowds, or public transportation.

One of the most common anxiety disorders is known as General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It manifests itself as a persistent feeling of anxiousness and worrying, often about things that have not occurred – and most likely will not – or minor problems that are magnified in the mind of the affected. GAD is typically treated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

It is normal to worry about our health from time to time. It’s when these thoughts and fears are persistent and causing a lot of stress, that it could be classified as an Illness Anxiety Disorder.

Individuals experiencing Illness Anxiety Disorder are hyperaware of physical sensations and their surroundings, often exhibiting obsessive traits such as frequently scheduling medical check-ups.

On the other extreme, they might practice avoidance behavior, avoiding social situations where they might be at risk of contracting contagious illnesses (such as Covid or stomach bugs).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that can cause intense anxiety and distress.

Obsessions can be followed by repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that can become, themselves, extremely distressing.

OCD is currently designated as Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder.

Individuals with a panic disorder experience repeated episodes of intense fears that often come up unexpectedly.

Physical symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness and heart palpitations. These sensations can be so severe, they can be mistaken for a heart attack when experienced for the first time.

A panic disorder can deeply affect a person’s quality of life and lead to other phobias.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be very effective in the treatment of panic disorders.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stems from an individual’s personal experience with a traumatic event. This may include people who have experienced the threat of death or injury to oneself or others such as assault, combat, accident, natural disaster, or abuse.

Although certain reactions to overwhelming experiences are expected, these reactions – if persistent over time – may interfere significantly with an individual’s functioning, relationships, and sense of self.

PTSD was classified as an anxiety disorder and is now re-classified as a Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorder. PTSD often co-occurs with anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

The pregnancy and postpartum period bring a whole host of changes, not just physically – hormonally and emotionally – but in terms of lifestyle too. These – and many other factors – can contribute to a heightened sense of anxiety and depression.

Given the vulnerability and stresses of becoming/being a (new) parent, these feelings can become very intense and support should be sought if they pertain.

Typical symptoms of Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety include inability to sleep or excessive sleeping, anger towards your baby, partner or other family members, obsessive-compulsive traits and anxiety, emotional numbness and excessive worry.

Individuals who experience social anxiety feel a deep fear of social situations in which they may be judged or embarrassed, such as public speaking or performance scenarios, parties or eating in a social setting.

Social Anxiety is a common disorder that can heavily interfere with a person’s personal and professional life or educational trajectory, as avoidance behavior becomes a common trait: avoiding any situation that could be potentially triggering such as, work conferences or school presentations, going out on a date and generally interacting with people (particularly strangers).

A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object or situation, like heights, flying, or animals, that leads to avoidance and distress when faced with the trigger.