Anxiety Disorders

PANIC DISORDER & AGORAPHOBIA

Panic disorder is diagnosed when a person experiences spontaneous, unexpected and recurring panic attacks. 

A panic attack (also known as an anxiety attack) is a sudden onset of intense fear and apprehension that can include physical sensations such as heart palpitations, chest pain, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or a choking sensation, nausea, dizziness or a sense of things being unreal (also known as depersonalization). Typical thoughts during a panic attack include, "I am going to faint or die" or "I am going to lose control or go crazy". Although the actual panic attack only lasts a few minutes, the experience is so disturbing that people with panic disorder can become increasingly nervous, apprehensive, and preoccupied about when and where they will have another panic attack. It is this preoccupation with having panic attacks that is the central feature of panic disorder.

Panic disorder with agoraphobia is diagnosed when the fear of having a panic attack makes someone afraid of being alone, venturing far from home, or being in crowded public places—particularly where "escape" may be difficult. In children, panic disorder is manifested as separation anxiety.

SEPARATION ANXIETY

All small children enjoy having their parents around, but children with separation anxiety experience a developmentally inappropriate degree of anxiety that causes them to become very upset when they are not with their parents or daily caregivers. Some children are unable to attend school (termed “school refusal”) which can be extremely disruptive to the entire family.

Ruth offers age-appropriate treatment for separation anxiety, and can work with parents and teachers—even accompanying the child to school to overcome their anxiety. Parents are taught how best to respond to their child to minimize anxiety and encourage a return to normal daily routines.

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

If you are a constant worrier who can’t “get out of your head”, you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is often referred to as the "worry" disorder, characterized by persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry over a variety of things such as health, family, work or money.

People who suffer from GAD often have a constant sense of uneasiness and dread that includes symptoms such as muscle tension, trouble concentrating, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, edginess, difficulty sleeping, and gastrointestinal discomfort. 

SOCIAL ANXIETY

If you struggle with social anxiety, you probably have an excessive fear of being judged and often avoid or are especially uncomfortable in social situations with unfamiliar people. The most prevalent fears include speaking or performing in public, attending social functions, or participating in group activities. Avoidance is the key coping mechanism and can lead to significant social isolation, making it difficult to make friends, develop romantic relationships, or succeed at work or school.

PARURESIS

Paruresis, often called "shy bladder", is a type of social anxiety that affects your ability to urinate in public restrooms. A person suffering from paruresis can also experience this problem when at a friend’s home or even in their own home if people are nearby. It has been estimated that 17 million people (7%) in the United States suffer from this disorder. Paruresis can dramatically limit one’s ability to be away from home and can cause the sufferer to avoid socializing, traveling, and even work.

Ruth is one of very few specialists recognized by the International Paruresis Association as an expert in this field.  

PHOBIA

A specific phobia is an intense fear—out of proportion to any real threat—which can lead to extreme distress, compromising a person’s ability to carry out normal activities.

Phobias relate to very specific triggers, including animals, storms, blood, airplanes, bridges, subways, elevators, needles, choking, loud noises, etc. A person with a specific phobia can experience extreme anxiety from simply thinking about the feared object or situation, and often completely avoid any potential interactions or situations where the trigger might occur.