What Is Anxiety and Panic Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is defined as a chronic condition of excessive and persistent sense of apprehension or fear that something “bad” may happen.
What are the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder?
Physical symptoms can manifest with anxiety/panic disorder, such as sweating, palpitation, and feelings of stress sometimes leading to completely being incapacitated. These symptoms can catalyst into what are often referred to as “panic attacks”. Panic attacks can cause a range of symptoms from pounding heart rate to feelings of numbness or detachment. These feelings of fear appear at inappropriate times, when there is no apparent threat or cause for them. Although these panic attacks are not life threatening, they are frightening and often impact the quality of life for those experiencing them.
What causes anxiety and panic disorder?
The cause of anxiety and panic disorders is not fully understood and can be triggered by genetic factors, traumatic events, and life experiences. This can also be caused by a number of issues. For some people, anxiety may be linked to underlying health conditions. Some medical issues associated with anxiety can include heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, chronic pain, and possible side effects from medications.
How common is anxiety and panic disorder?
Estimates from the anxiety and depression association of America reveal approximately 40 million individuals over the age of 18 live with anxiety disorders. It is estimated that only 36.9% of those living with anxiety disorder actually pursue and receive treatment.
How is anxiety and panic disorder usually treated?
Anxiety and Panic disorder is most often treated through the use of psychotherapy and/or the utilization of medications prescribed by a doctor.
How is the NeuroRescue Program different?
At Northwest Functional Neurology, we utilize cutting edge technology and rehabilitation therapies backed by research to generate an option of healing and recovery beyond traditional means. For example, a study conducted by the Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology at Ghent University in Belgium was done using the classic “n-back test” to determine how far back in a sequence a person can remember details. And that gains made during training directly translated to improvements in anxiety symptoms.
Using data such as this, Northwest Functional Neurology is able to generate therapies to reduce the presence of anxiety symptoms. Utilizing sophisticated cognitive training systems, we are able to direct neuroplasticity in the parts of the brain that are impaired by anxiety. This allows the development of improved behaviors that reduce anxiety and panic disorder.
Your next best step
Call or email us to schedule your discovery day, so we can get to the bottom of your issues, and start you on the path towards living your best life. No matter how long you have suffered from your movement disorder, it is never too late to start getting better.
References
The study, titled “Training working memory to improve attentional control in anxiety: A proof-of-principle study using behavioral and electrophysiological measures” can be found here: ,https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301051115300570
