People often experience some anxiety during the course of their lives. However, when it becomes persistent, chronic, and overwhelming, it can be difficult to carry out the most ordinary daily activities. This is called clinical anxiety, and it is characterized by an exaggerated sense of worry and tension, a frequent anticipation of disaster, and persistent worries about family, money, work, or about something that is difficult to pinpoint. People with anxiety often feel tired, have trouble concentrating, are unable to relax, and have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Anxiety also frequently occurs with or causes depression. The following physical symptoms are often associated with anxiety:

• Twitching
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Sweating
• Hot flashes
• Lightheadedness

Anxiety disorders can be categorized as follows:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Specific Phobia
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Medication, therapy, support groups, and relaxation techniques can often treat an anxiety disorder. At Bloomingdale Psychological Services, we can design a treatment plan to help you through this difficult problem.