What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, often involving feelings of worry and uneasiness. While occasional anxiety is normal, it’s important to know that persistent and overwhelming anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder. These conditions go beyond temporary nervousness, affecting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. Anxiety disorders affect about 10% of children, about 30% of adolescents, and about 30% of adults at some point in their lives. Without proper support, anxiety can make it difficult to focus, sleep, or engage in everyday activities.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders come in many forms, each with its own unique challenges. While all involve excessive worry or fear, the way they present and impact daily life can vary.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by ongoing, excessive worry about everyday matters such as work, health, or responsibilities. The worry is difficult to control and can interfere with daily life, making even minor concerns feel overwhelming.
• Panic Disorder: People with panic disorder experience sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. These attacks can include physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain. Some individuals may feel they are losing control or having a medical emergency. Panic attacks can happen unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations.
• Phobias: A specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity that poses little to no actual danger. Despite recognizing that their fear is excessive, individuals may go to great lengths to avoid the source of their phobia. 
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Social anxiety disorder is marked by an intense fear of social interactions due to concerns about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated. This can make everyday situations feel overwhelming, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, or eating in front of others. 
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Separation anxiety disorder involves extreme fear or distress when away from a loved one. Individuals may worry about losing a loved one, refuse to go places without them, or experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches when apart. Though this is often associated with children, separation anxiety can persist into adulthood.

Each of these anxiety disorders can significantly impact daily life, but with the right support and treatment, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can present in many different ways, but common symptoms include:

• Excessive Worrying: Constant and uncontrollable worry about everyday situations.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or staying present in the moment.
• Irritability: Increased frustration and sensitivity to stress.
• Muscle Tension: Chronic tightness or discomfort in the muscles.
• Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling well-rested.

Anxiety Treatments for Children and Adolescents 

At Behavior Therapy Associates (BTA), we provide specialized support to help children and adolescents manage anxiety in healthy ways. Our services include:

• Anxiety Evaluations: A thorough assessment to understand the specific type of anxiety to guide personalized treatment.
• Individual Therapy: Evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help young individuals increase their psychological flexibility, better manage anxious thoughts, and improve coping skills.
• Behavioral Parent Training: Equipping parents with strategies to support their child’s anxiety management and help address daily challenges.
• School-Based Consultation: Partnering with educators to develop accommodations that promote a supportive learning environment.

Anxiety Treatments for Adults

For adults facing anxiety, BTA offers tailored treatment options to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. Our services include:

• Anxiety Evaluations: Assessments to accurately diagnose anxiety disorders and develop personalized treatment plans.
• Individual Therapy: Personalized therapy sessions using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to increase psychological flexibility, better manage anxiety, and improve coping strategies.

Take Control of Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, you can develop effective coping strategies and regain a sense of self-confidence. At Behavior Therapy Associates, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs to help you build the skills you need to thrive.