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, University of Florida Psychology Department, Gainesville, FL Univerisity of Florida Psychology ClinicAnxiety
LIFE TODAY is difficult, no doubt about it. There have always been situations that cause anxiety and emotional “distress”. Worry related to our jobs, divorce, drug/alcohol abuse, raising our families, serious physical illness are all “real life” situations that people like you have had to deal with.
Sometimes our nervousness and worry over these situations can be too much to handle by ourselves. In fact, an estimated 19 million adult Americans suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. Only one-third of those ever seek treatment even though it is one of the most treatable of all mental health conditions.
is a normal human feeling that everyone experiences now and then. Trouble at work, problems at home, the nervousness one feels before an important decision or event is all part of everyday life. But when these feelings lead to so much distress that it interferes with your ability to lead a normal life, then that is a sign you need help from a Psychologist or other health professional.
Disorders come in different types:
Generalized Disorder- ongoing worry or fear that isn’t related to a particular event/situation or is out of proportion to what one would expect.
Panic Disorder- repeated periods of sudden, extreme panic that suddenly occur without warning.
Phobia- unreasonable fear to something specific. (e.g. spiders, heights, social situations, etc)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder- repeated and unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety usually accompanied by repeated behaviors that relieve this anxiety.
Post-Traumatic Disorder- frightening and recurrent thoughts/dreams/ flashbacks (“reliving”) of an especially traumatic event
If you suspect that you might have an Disorder, what can you do? You can start by telling your family doctor or calling a Psychologist directly. The first, and key, step is a proper diagnosis that is comprehensive in scope.
A Psychologist will use interview questions and/or specialized paper-andpencil assessment measures to properly evaluate your situation. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can have severe consequences. If you are diagnosed with an Disorder there are a variety of treatment options.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research has demonstrated that “cognitive-behavioral therapy” can be highly effective in treating all anxiety disorders. In this type of treatment, clients learn to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that have led to troublesome feelings. The techniques learned can also be used across a person’s lifetime and applied to other types of problems (e.g. depression). Medications can also be a useful tool in the fight against anxiety.
Other helpful hints to help control anxiety are:
• Avoid caffeine or other stimulants (e.g. coffee, soft drinks, tea, chocolate, etc)
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid overuse of alcohol and other drugs
• Get plenty of sleep
• Learn to relax (it’s a skill, so practice, practice, practice).
Where can you go for help? The University of Florida has internationally recognized experts in the evaluation and treatment of Disorders. G
You can contact the University of Florida’s Psychology Clinic at 352-265-0294 or Fear and Disorder Clinic at 352-294- FEAR ( 3327) for additional information or to make an appointment. Visit their web site at www.hp.ufl.edu.edu/chp/clinic. Most insurance accepted.