Recognizing Anxiety Disorders
Some anxiety and fear is normal. It’s part of life. But for many people, normal fears can escalate into persistent,irrational fears that interfere with daily life. For them,constant anxiety and fear become an unbearable burden.Like diabetes or heart disease, anxiety disorders are serious medical conditions that can get worse if left untreated. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are very
treatable. The remedy depends on the type of disorder.Most disorders fall into one of five categories: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorders, and Phobias.
Facts about Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excess worry about everyday things. Unlike those who are anxious from time to time, individuals with anxiety disorders are plagued by excessive worrying over a prolonged period of time, generally at least six months.
1. Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting both children and adults.
2. 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders.
3. Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry,
personality, and life events.
4. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one third of people suffering from an anxiety
disorder receive treatment.
5. Anxiety disorders are commonly misdiagnosed and undertreated.
6. Anxiety disorders can mimic physical illnesses causing fatigue, restlessness, sleep problems, insomnia,
muscle tension, sweating, nausea, cold hands, difficulty swallowing, jumpiness, gastrointestinal
discomfort or diarrhea.
Anxiety Disorders and Neurotransmitter Levels
Anxiety disorders are common neurotransmitter related conditions. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that relay signals between nerve cells, called “neurons”. Serious health problems including anxiety and panic disorders can occur if certain neurotransmitter levels are too high or too low. Extensive scientific research has revealed a close link between imbalances in GABA and anxiety disorders. Elevations in a number of excitatory neurotransmitters including: epinephrine, norepinephrine, PEA, glutamate, and histamine may also be associated with anxiety disorders.
Treatment
At Dr. Freedman’s office, we have the capability to evaluate your neurotransmitters levels. Armed with this knowledge, we are able to utilize targeted amino acid therapy to correct your neurotransmitter imbalances. This method has been utilized for over 20 years and is regarded as natural, safe, and successful.