Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be terrifying and disabling conditions and are often not detected or diagnosed for very long periods of time.  Clients often feel these symptoms are highly unusual and they develop feelings of isolation from others.  People often feel ashamed at seeking help.

Within my work as a private psychiatrist, I have gained extensive experience in the treatment of anxiety disorders:

 

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Typically characterised by constant worry, inability to relax, extremely poor self-confidence and catastrophising thoughts.

 

Panic Disorder

A dreadful condition and people suffering panic anxiety require swift treatment.  Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense and overwhelming anxiety in the form of bodily symptoms and also distressing thoughts such as impending harm or fear about “going mad”.  Signs of panic anxiety include;

  • Palpitations
  • Feeling faint, dizzy or light headed
  • Hyperventilating
  • Feeling nauseous
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Chest pains and shortness of breath
  • Fluctuating body temperature

Panic attacks can be distinguished from other forms of anxiety disorders by their intensity and suddenness in nature. 

 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Sufferers of social anxiety disorder find it difficult to develop friendships and develop a fulfilling social life and can have wide ranging debilitating effects especially in employment.

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Suffers of social anxiety disorder find it difficult to develop friendships and develop a fulfilling social life and can have wide ranging debilitating effects especially in employment.

Actions associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are often a response to obsessional fears, triggering compulsive rituals which temporarily reduce anxiety.  Common rituals involve constant checking, cleaning, counting and avoiding certain things.  Examples can include:

  • Washing yourself or objects more than usual
  • Checking if a household appliance switches
  • Only touching things with a tissue
  • Avoiding items which may be contaminated
  • Repeating actions a set number of times or for a specific period of time

Obsessions are irrational and not at all reflective of your usual behaviour or values.  Normal thinking is affected which can be very upsetting and obsessive thoughts can become overwhelming and exhausting. These patterns are often difficult to break and it is not uncommon to seek frequent reassurance from close friends about your obsessions.

Health anxiety disorders are characterised by a preoccupation with one's health and misinterpreting normal bodily sensations.  They can often manifest on their own or within other anxiety disorders

The practice ethos is to treat these conditions as quickly as possible by developing a trusting relationship and a thorough 1.5 hour psychiatric assessment.

The origins of an anxiety disorder can be complex and therefore the anxiety disorder treatment for each individual is bespoke and tailored to their need.  It is very important that individuals receive the correct form of psychotherapy and medication for their condition and as such the practice prioritizes an unhurried thorough assessment appointment.  An extremely important part of the anxiety disorder treatment is the collaborative  relationship with Dr Nathan Anthony and his clinical partners.  We firmly believe that much attention is paid in matching the client to the right therapist to address their specific needs.  Dr Anthony sometimes also takes on clients for individual therapy.