Finding appropriate treatment for your anxiety can be an overwhelming task. In fact, anxiety sufferers often see multiple providers before receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment even though most anxiety disorders are highly treatable with the right intervention. The information below is intended to give you a head start in identifying your symptoms and what treatments and resources are available to you. Please feel free to contact Dr. Wiegartz if you have questions or would like further information. Regardless of where you choose to pursue therapy, it is important that you understand your anxiety symptoms and know which psychological treatments are supported by research as effective so that you can make an informed decision.
Panic Disorder
Those who suffer from Panic Disorder get sudden, seemingly out-of-the-blue physical symptoms (e.g., racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, chest pain, dizziness/lightheadedness) called panic attacks. They often fear that they are going crazy, losing control or dying and become preoccupied with the possibility of future panic attacks. As a result, some avoid places or situations they fear will trigger panic symptoms (Agoraphobia).
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by recurrent thoughts, images, or impulses which cause distress (obsessions). Although most people with OCD understand that their obsessions don't make sense, they still feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) in an attempt to reduce anxiety. A common type of OCD is fear of contamination and washing or cleaning rituals. However, OCD can take many forms, including worries of accidental or intentional harm, preoccupation with symmetry or order, hoarding of unneeded items as well as checking, reassurance seeking, compulsive prayer, mental rituals and many others.
Trichotillomania & Compulsive Skin Picking
Trichotillomania is compulsive hair pulling that results in noticeable hair loss or bald spots. Hair can be pulled from anywhere but common sites are scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Those who suffer Compulsive Skin Picking repetitively scratch, pick at or dig into their skin in an attempt to remove small or perceived irregularities. Both disorders often result in intense shame and avoidance of activities that may reveal either hair loss or damage to skin.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
BDD is an intense preoccupation with an imagined or minor defect in physical appearance. Despite reassurance from others, BDD sufferers often see this aspect of their appearance as "hideous" or "deformed" and spend a great deal of time in attempts to camoflauge or disguise it. Avoidance of situations where the perceived defect may be observed or highlighted is common and, as a result, work, school and social functioning can be negatively impacted. In many cases, multiple and unneeded cosmetic surgeries or procedures are undergone in an attempt to correct appearance.
