Anxiety Specialist
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ALIVE Education Management & Services
ABA Therapy and Student Concierge Services for Unique Learners located in Beverly Hills, CA and Woodland Hills, CA
Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue in the United States, affecting over 18% of adults and one-third of teenagers. At ALIVE Education Management & Services in Beverly Hills and Woodland Hills, California, Shannon Stanford, EdD, BCBA, and the experienced team help Los Angeles-area residents recover from and cope with anxiety disorders. If anxiety interferes with your life, call the office or make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment.
Anxiety Q&A
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that causes persistent and distressing fears and worries. There are several types of anxiety disorders that cause fears about different aspects of life.
For example, generalized anxiety disorder causes fears about everyday responsibilities like work or school projects, chores, and health. Panic disorder has many triggers but causes panic attacks, including a variety of intense physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.
Social anxiety disorder causes fears about interacting with other people, and separation anxiety triggers fears about being alone or abandoned. Some people also have specific phobias about anything from flying to spiders.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety symptoms are not the same for every individual with an anxiety disorder, and ALIVE Education & Management Services can help individuals better describe the specific symptoms affecting them during their assessments.
Unique from other mental health disorders, anxiety includes symptoms that are physical, mental, and behavioral:
Physical symptoms
Physical anxiety symptoms like heart palpitations, sweaty palms, and nausea are not uncommon with anxiety, especially during anxiety attacks.
Mental symptoms
Perhaps the most well-known aspect of anxiety, mental symptoms tend to include irrational fears, obsessive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares.
Behavioral symptoms
Teachers, coworkers, family, and peers might notice behavioral symptoms that the individuals might not be aware of themselves. Common behavioral symptoms of anxiety include trouble sitting still, social withdrawal, and sleep problems.
What causes anxiety?
Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of anxiety, although they have identified several risk factors, including a history of poverty, neglect, abuse, or trauma.
A family or personal history of mental health issues also increases your risk of anxiety. Anxiety often co-occurs with other conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
How is anxiety treated?
The team at ALIVE Education Management & Services begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to confirm an anxiety diagnosis and assess its impact on the individual’s life.
The providers at ALIVE create individualized plans for anxiety management, considering factors like age and educational needs, self-esteem, culture, and any dual diagnoses. Each plan includes one-on-one support along with treatments and services like:
- School support
- Behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Anxiety medication management
- Lifestyle changes and coaching
The ALIVE team provides support through therapy and can make sure all individual needs are met in personalized plans. Regular visits are available for individuals to talk openly and honestly about their feelings, concerns, and progress in treatment.
Call ALIVE Education Management & Services, or make an appointment online today for personalized, compassionate anxiety treatment.