Anxiety Disorders affect about 40 million American adults in a given year.  These disorders are very different from the mild, relatively brief anxiety caused by a stressful event (such as speaking in public or meeting an important person for the first time). Anxiety disorders often last more than 6 months and typically get worse without treatment.  They commonly occur in conjunction with other mental and physical illnesses (including alcohol and substance abuse) which may make symptoms worse.

Treatment

Although each anxiety disorder is unique, most respond to two categories of treatment: psychotherapy and medication.  These two treatments can be used alone or in combination.  At Life Pathways, you will receive a thorough psychosocial evaluation during your initial visit.  For the majority of clients, the evaluation confirms that psychotherapy alone is the appropriate level of care.  However, if you do not respond to psychotherapy alone, or if your evaluation indicates it, then you will be referred to your Primary Care Physician or to a Psychiatrist.  There you will receive and additional evaluation and if you and your physician agree, then medication will be prescribed.  Your therapist can then coordinate the psychotherapy treatment with your physician's recommended medication(s).

There are two primary forms of psychotherapy that are used: Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (STDP) or Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  STDP focuses on the experience and expression of feelings and resolving inner motivations and is highly effective at treating anxiety disorders.  CBT uses techniques to challenge distorted or irrational thoughts to alleviate or control the anxiety.  It is also well researched and  highly effective.

With treatment, most people with anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, you should seek information and treatment right away.

Please click on the links below for information on the specific anxiety disorders treated at Life Pathways:

• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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Jim Viccaro, M.S., M.F.T.
Life Pathways Therapy Solutions
Phone:(562) 286-9152 E-mail: jim@life-pathways.com