Recognizing and Treating Anxiety Disorders in Adults
Anxiety disorders are common, identifiable, and treatable. However, far too often, people struggling with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or a number of related challenges fail to get the care they need because of misconceptions and improper treatment.
So what should everyone know about anxiety disorders? What signs and symptoms set them apart from other mental health conditions? And how can they best be treated with evidence-based approaches?
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Audience Questions
Jacqueline R. Bullis, PhD, breaks down the array of common anxiety disorders, debunks the many myths about them, and offers an overview of proper treatment and how to find it.
- What is the difference between healthy and unhealthy anxiety?
- Do people with unhealthy levels of anxiety typically recognize they need help?
- How common are anxiety disorders? What are some of the more common ones in adults?
- What should we know about social anxiety disorder?
- What should we know about generalized anxiety disorder?
- What should we know about panic disorder?
- What should we know about specific phobias?
- How is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) categorized? Is it related to anxiety disorders?
- What is the typical process for diagnosing an anxiety disorder?
- What does the term “transdiagnostic” mean?
- What is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and how is it used to treat anxiety?
- Is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) different from CBT? Do the two work together?
- What are some other aspects of anxiety treatment?
- What are the different levels of care that are available when it comes to treating an anxiety disorder? What can those look like?
- How can someone support a loved one dealing with anxiety?
- What are some of the main ideas a clinician should know about anxiety? When is it appropriate to refer out for anxiety care?
- Is exposure and response prevention treatment (ERP) a typical aspect of anxiety care?
- Given that anxiety disorders are very treatable, what kind of success can someone in treatment expect?
The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.
Resources
You may also find this information useful:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
- Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy (ABCT)
- Treatments That Work series – book series published by Oxford University Press
- Video: Making Anxiety Work for You
- Everything You Need To Know About Anxiety
- Video: Anxiety in Kids and Teens 101
- Video: Apply ACT Principles to Your Daily Life
- Anxiety Screening
- Access more anxiety resources
About Dr. Bullis
Jacqueline R. Bullis, PhD, is a staff psychologist with McLean’s Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders. She engages in a program of clinical research aimed at increasing the public health impact of evidence-based psychological treatments by applying a transdiagnostic approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of emotional disorders.
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