Martin H. Klein, Ph.D., Psychologist, Westport, Fairfield, Stamford CT
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Anxiety

General Anxiety  Social Anxiety  Panic Attacks  Post Traumatic Stress

Dr. Martin H. Klein, Psychologist
Serving The Westport and Fairfield Connecticut Communities

​
Anxiety bashed my mind in
Terrorizing my soul like Bin Laden
But I ain't fallin' down bro
I ain't givin in to it
Shackled in chains
My soul feels stained
I can't explain
Got a itch on my brain
Lately my whole brain
Lately my whole aim is to maintain
And regain control of my mainframe
My blood's boilin' it's beatin' out propane
My train of thoughts more like a runaway train
I'm in a fast car drivin' in the fast lane
In the rain and I might just hydroplane


The Black Eyed Peas



What Is Anxiety?

Most people feel anxious at some point in their lives. For example, it is normal to feel anxious before an important exam or when called upon to speak in public. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful events or situations.

In many instances, anxiety can be a helpful coping mechanism. When you are in a situation that is frightening or threatening, anxiety is your body's way of telling you something is wrong and action is required to reduce the stress.
For example, if you were in the jungle and a lion started to chase you it is understandable that you feel anxious. Out of fear your body will probably experience a "fight or flight" reaction and find yourself propelled faster than you have ever ran before.

However, if anxiety becomes chronic, it may be the sign of a more serious problem. For example, if you feel like a lion is chasing you when you are simply only sitting at home on the couch, your level of anxiety is excessive.

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own specific symptoms and treatment options.
Some of the most common types are: generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder.


Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by constant and exaggerated worrisome thoughts and unnecessary tension about routine events and everyday activities. The symptoms must have existed without interruption for at least six months. Generalized anxiety disorder lacks many of the more dramatic symptoms of other anxiety disorders and so can be harder to diagnose, but it can include physical symptoms like headaches, sweating and gastrointestinal trouble.

People with general anxiety disorder (GAD) may experience symptoms such as:


  • Shoulder, back pain, headaches, stomach aches, nausea
  • Fatigue, restlessness, light headedness
  • Excessive sweating and urinating
  • irrational fears and excessive worrying
  • Obsessional thinking, ruminations, intrusive negative thoughts
  • Irritability and bouts of anger
  • hypervigilance
  • Lack of concentration
  • Inability to sit still and focus
  • insomnia and early morning awakening
  • heart palpitations and trembling


Post traumatic stress disorder can occur after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event like a murder, rape, mugging, car crash or natural disaster. Or, it can be cause by chronic trauma like childhood sexual, physical or emotional abuse. Those who suffer from this disorder can experience the event repeatedly in nightmares and flashbacks and also begin to feel depressed, angry, and irritable, can scare easily and become emotionally numb.

People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience symptoms such as:


  • Agitation, irritability, hostility
  • Depression, anger, guilt
  • self-destructive and unwanted thoughts and behaviors
  • hypervigilance
  • Social withdrawal, mistrust, loneliness
  • Flashbacks, nightmares,
  • Insomnia
  • Severe anxiety and irrational fears
  • Loss of interest, fear or avoidance of intimacy
  • emotional detachment, lack of libido


Social Anxiety is characterized by an overwhelming fear of embarrassment, scrutiny or humiliation in social situations which causes people with the condition to avoid normal social activities.

People with Social Anxieties may experience symptoms such as:


  • Fear of being scrutinized by others
  • Fear of humiliation or embarrassment
  • Recognition that fears are unreasonable or excessive
  • Avoidance of feared situations
  • Intense anxiety and distress when facing one's feared situation
  • Fears interferes with a person's normal activities

Panic attacks are sudden onset episodes of acute anxiety coupled with a number discomforting symptoms in situations where there is no real danger present. Often times people having panic attacks are in so much distress they feel like they are having a heart attack.

People with Panic Attacks may experience symptoms such as:


  • Avoidance of situations that cause anxiety
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness, nausea, flushness
  • rapid heart rate, trembling, hyperventilation
  • sweating, light headedness, faintness
  • chest pain, tightness in your throat
  • A sense of doom and feeling out of control.
  • After the attack you typically feel tired and fatigued.

Is Anxiety Treatable?

You do not usually "just get over" anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety you should seek professional help. Dr. Klein is an expert in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders. If medications are indicated in addition to psychotherapy, he will work with your primary care physician or refer you to a psychiatrist when deemed appropriate. Dr. Klein is also utilizes hypnosis and mindfulness techniques to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Dr. Klein Specializes in the treatment of anxiety. He has offices in Westport and Fairfield  Connecticut.


 Westport Psychologists  anxiety
Fairfield Psychologists anxiety


Martin H. Klein, Ph.D., Psychologist,    Westport, Fairfield, Stamford, CT,    203-915-0601,   mhklein@sbcglobal.net
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