Anxiety Disorders

There are various types of anxiety disorders. Some of the more common types are: 

• Generalized anxiety disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive and persistent worry or anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, and everyday tasks. These feelings of worry are often difficult to control, occur most days, and persist for at least six months. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), generalized anxiety disorder affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are said to be receiving treatment. 

• Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations in which individuals worry that they may be judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. This fear often leads to avoidance of such situations, which can significantly impact work, relationships, and other aspects of daily life. 

• Panic disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by recurring and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. 

• Separation anxiety disorder: Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or anxiety concerning separation from those to whom a person is attached, such as a parent, partner, or caregiver.  

• Specific phobias: Specific phobias are characterized by an illogical, excessive, and irrational fear of a specific place, circumstance, or object that is typically harmless. 

• Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder: Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder is a form of anxiety disorder produced by exposure to alcohol and other substances. Symptoms may occur during or after the use of drugs, alcohol, or medication. 

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR) identifies several additional anxiety disorders, including:  

• Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is a disorder in which situations like public transportation, open or enclosed spaces, crowds, and places outside the home cause a person to suffer from paniclike symptoms. A person who deals with agoraphobia may avoid these places due to fears of embarrassment, danger, or even death. 

• Selective mutism: Children may struggle to speak in certain social settings, such as at school with their classmates, but speak comfortably in other environments, like at home with their family. This is known as selective mutism and can hinder academic performance and may impact personal relationships and career opportunities later in life.  

• Anxiety disorder due to other medical conditions: This type of anxiety disorder results from an underlying physical health condition, such as a chronic illness. Medical conditions that can be linked to anxiety include respiratory disorders (asthma or chronic pulmonary disease), heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and rare tumors that produce certain fight-or-flight response hormones. 

• Other specified anxiety disorders and unspecified anxiety disorders: These categories cover cases of anxiety that don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for other anxiety disorders but still require attention and treatment. 

Symptoms of anxiety vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder. However, general symptoms of an anxiety disorder can include the following: 

Physical symptoms: 

• Increased heart rate 

• Sweating 

• Feeling weak or tired 

• Cold or sweaty hands 

• Dry mouth 

• Heart palpitations 

• Nausea 

• Headaches 

• Gastrointestinal (GI) problems 

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet 

• Muscle tension 

• Shortness of breath 

Psychological symptoms: 

• Feeling nervous, tense, or restless 

• Having a sense of impending doom, panic, or danger 

• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences 

• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts 

Behavioral symptoms: 

• Inability to be still and calm 

• Ritualistic behaviors, such as washing hands repeatedly 

• Trouble sleeping 

If you or a loved one is age 18 or older and struggling with symptoms of an anxiety disorder, the admissions advisors at our Sandy, Utah, anxiety disorder treatment center are available 24/7 to help customize your path to healing.  

The causes of anxiety disorders and the reason they affect some people to the point that it interferes with their lives are not fully understood. However, the following factors may increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder: 

• Experiencing trauma 

• Stress caused by an illness 

• Ongoing worry and buildup of stress 

• Family history of anxiety or other mental health concerns 

• Substance abuse 

It’s important to note that everyone is different, and a combination of factors often contributes to developing a specific type of anxiety disorder. Additionally, imbalances in brain chemistry, such as irregularities in serotonin or dopamine levels, may play a role. Environmental factors, such as chronic exposure to stressful situations or a lack of social support, can also increase a person’s risk. Untreated anxiety can significantly harm a person mentally, physically, and socially, making healing critical to a person’s well-being. Early intervention through therapy and medication can help reduce long-term impacts. 

The first step to finding the right type of treatment is to consult a physician to rule out a physical cause of the symptoms. Anxiety disorders can sometimes mimic medical conditions, such as heart or thyroid problems, so an accurate medical diagnosis is essential.  

If you are an adult who is experiencing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder or co-occurring anxiety and a substance use disorder (SUD), the caring team of professionals at Turning Point Centers can work with you to choose the most effective course of treatment. 

At Turning Point Centers in Utah, we understand that every individual’s experience with anxiety is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to anxiety treatment doesn’t work. That’s why we focus on creating personalized anxiety disorder treatment plans that address clients’ specific needs and goals. At our anxiety disorder treatment center, we provide adults with the highest-quality mental healthcare in an environment that is designed to promote healing. 

Our compassionate staff offers individualized care for those who are battling mental health conditions through a range of programs that are tailored to meet them where they are on their healing journeys. Whether you need the structured support of residential treatment, the flexibility of a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or the ongoing care of an intensive outpatient program (IOP), we have the resources to help. Using evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), we empower individuals to regain control of anxious thoughts, reduce symptoms, and live fulfilling lives. 

If you find that the symptoms of anxiety are keeping you from living the life you want to live, getting the right treatment can make all the difference. We offer a comprehensive range of services at our Utah anxiety disorder treatment center to guide you on the path to healing. As a first step, our team will complete a comprehensive assessment with you. This will help us understand your specific needs, and the results of that assessment will allow us to create your customized care plan, which may include:  

• Individual therapy at least twice per week 

• Daily group therapy sessions led by program managers, therapists, social workers, and behavioral health technicians  

• Weekly experiential therapies, which may include art and music therapy 

• Family therapy as needed  

Group therapy sessions are an essential part of our approach to providing anxiety disorder treatment. In a supportive space, you can share your experiences and connect with others who may struggle with similar symptoms. Our therapists and behavioral health technicians guide these sessions, helping you and your group explore topics like self-esteem, coping skills, and healthy boundaries.  

At our Utah anxiety disorder treatment center, you’ll find a serene environment and a team made up of compassionate professionals who are dedicated to helping you heal. Taking the step to seek anxiety treatment is crucial for building a healthier, more fulfilling life. We understand that making this decision can be challenging, and we’re here to provide the support and guidance you need throughout this journey. Addressing anxiety is not just about managing symptoms but also about reclaiming your sense of well-being and confidence. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.