Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden onsets of extreme worry or fear. They can be triggered by a variety of things including uncomfortable social settings or overwhelming situations. The panic waves associated with this anxiety disorder can subside as quickly as they come, yet still leave you worrying about when the next attack will come.
Symptoms:
Physical symptoms include dizziness, nausea, sweating, a pounding heart, and sometimes even sudden urges to go to the bathroom.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, occurs in about 2% of the world’s population and is characterized by irresistible thoughts or obsessions and rigid rituals or behaviors that are fueled by these obsessions.
Symptoms:
OCD patients will have different triggers for their OCD, but most fall under these categories;
- Checkers – repeatedly checking on things associated with danger (Stove, oven, etc.)
- Doubters – Afraid if they don’t do something to perfection, they will be punished
- Hoarders – Don’t throw anything away for fear something bad will happen or they might need it
- Cleaners – Afraid of contamination and often characterized by hand-washing compulsions
- Organizational – These patients are always counting and arranging and will have superstitions about certain colors, numbers, objects, etc.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
An extreme form of anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs after events of extreme trauma have occurred. While this disorder can be treated, it rarely goes away completely.
Symptoms:
PTSD patients experience extremely vivid nightmares and flashbacks that make them relive their traumatic event. They will often shy away from social settings and or avoid people that might trigger their stress more easily.
When to Get Help for Anxiety Disorders
Have any of these previous disorders and their symptoms sounded familiar for yourself or someone you love? Do you find that your symptoms are making it hard for you to perform your daily activities or enjoy the things you once loved? If this is the case, it is time to seek help from a professional and learn what your next steps for treatment and/or medication are.
Treatment Plans of Anxiety Disorders at Amanda Itzkoff, MD
Treatment plans are HIGHLY individualized within our practice. In fact, before I even begin working with prospective patients, we first discuss the patient’s symptoms, goals, and preferences, and make sure all available treatments for their symptoms are reviewed. These may include medications, talk therapy, or both. Some patients will wish to pursue all options, while other will prefer some treatments more than others. My team will work with you and your needs. The best part? We have everything you need right here – no multiple visits to paraprofessionals who can only offer one or two treatment options. No waiting weeks for each of them to confer with each other. No repeating yourself to different professionals, we’ve got you covered.
If you have any questions about Dr. Itzkoff’s treatment plans for anxiety disorders, please feel free to contact us via email. If you would like to arrange referrals, please phone our offices at 917.609.4990.
To Living an Anxiety-Free Life,
Dr. Amanda Itzkoff
