Common Problems

STRESS AND ANXIETY are a normal and necessary part of life. People who struggle with anxiety disorders, however, face days filled with debilitating discomfort and fear that can make even normal routines unbearable. They often accompany depression, substance abuse and other anxiety disorders. For the latest articles on psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and continuing education from Dr. Cathy Waltz, please visit Our Blog.

There are five different kinds of anxiety disorders:

    • PANIC DISORDER – Repeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and fear of dying.
    • OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) — Repeated, unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviors that seem impossible to control.
    • POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) — Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic event such as rape, child abuse, war, natural disasters or crashes. Many people who suffer from PTSD experience loss of sleep, nightmares, anger, and flashbacks
    • PHOBIAS — There are three major types of phobias: social, specific and a agoraphobia. Social phobia deals with a fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or humiliation in social situations. People with a specific phobia experience extreme disabling and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Agoraphobia describes the anxiety a person prone to panic attacks feels when in situations from which escape may be difficult, embarrassing or help is not immediately available.
    • GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD) — Constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life activities lasting a minimum of six months. Symptoms include fatigue, trembling, muscle tension or nausea.

DEPRESSION  sometimes occurs after a loss or a life changing event occurs.  When a person is adjusting to a new situation they may experience some sadness, loss of interest in activities and, perhaps, disturbed sleep (among other sypmtoms).  These transitory symptoms may fade on their own.  However when depressive symptoms persist for more than six months there is evidence that changes may have occurred in the individual’s brain chemistry.  How do you know if you are depressed?  Here are some common symptoms:

    • Feeling sad, blue or down
    • Loss of interest in doing things one used to enjoy
    • Sleep disturbance (either trouble sleeping or wanting to sleep/sleeping too much)
    • Appetite disturbance (weight gain or loss when one is not trying to change his or her weight)
    • Poor concentration or decision making
    • Mood swings – feeling okay or “up” for a while but returning “down”
    • Increased irritability , and more.

If you believe that you are depressed or are troubled by anxiety, call Dr. Waltz at  954-801-4101 to set a time for abrief  free telephone consultation.