Anxiety is a very common condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Acute anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause a significant disruption to your day. It can cause excessive worry and fear, along with several physical symptoms that can make it feel like you’re dying. If you’re struggling with acute anxiety, you can learn how to control future outbreaks and manage symptoms through an anxiety treatment program.
The Ranch PA is a mental health treatment center that helps individuals struggling with acute anxiety, social anxiety, and other anxiety disorders. We also provide support for those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), previously classified as an anxiety disorder in earlier editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Our residential treatment program includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), dual diagnosis treatment, and other services to support your full recovery.
What Are the Signs of Acute Anxiety?
Acute anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that can cause sudden and intense feelings of fear and impending doom and feel like you’re losing control. It can cause you to avoid certain situations or people severely impacting your day-to-day life. Various factors can cause it, including experiencing a stressful day or reliving a traumatic event. Underlying mental health conditions, such as substance use disorders, can also contribute. Additionally, certain medications like stimulants and decongestants may play a role.
What are the signs of acute anxiety disorder? This condition can cause physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms, such as:
- Physical signs – Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, trembling, or dizziness are common. Some may experience chest pain, nausea, stomach upset, chills, hot flashes, muscle aches, or a dry mouth.
- Psychological signs – Intense worry, fear, or a sense of impending doom can feel overwhelming. Many struggle with concentration, feel detached, or experience racing thoughts, irritability, and restlessness.
- Behavioral signs – Avoiding situations or people, pacing, or fidgeting may signal anxiety. Insomnia, trouble managing responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed, being easily startled, or wanting to escape a stressful situation can also be signs.
In many cases, people with acute anxiety will turn to drugs and alcohol to reduce stress and anxiety levels. If you’re not careful, it can lead to a dual diagnosis case that’s more complex to treat.
What Are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Acute anxiety is just one type of anxiety disorder that affects people every day. According to the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), there are several other types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorders
- Social anxiety disorders (SAD)
- Agoraphobia and specific phobias
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Illness anxiety disorder or hypochondria
These types of anxiety disorders are treatable through an anxiety treatment program that uses a mix of medication, behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and life skills training.
What Are the Benefits of Treating Acute Anxiety Disorder?
Acute anxiety disorder can be very devastating to your livelihood and well-being. Fortunately, there are treatment programs that can support your full recovery. Some of the benefits of treating acute anxiety disorder include learning more about it, improved well-being and cognitive function, and stronger relationships.
Learn More About the Disorder
You’ll learn all about acute anxiety disorder and how it can cause severe disruption in your life. Therapists will teach all about the disorder and what it takes to recover. They’ll review the treatment plan and therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Improved Emotional Well-Being
During private and group therapy sessions, you’ll learn how the disorder can affect your emotions and how that impacts you. Therapists will teach you how to reduce excessive worry, panic, and fear and give you the tools to improve your emotional regulation. This can go a long way toward reducing future attacks, mood swings, and feeling out of control.
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Participating in anxiety treatment will improve focus, memory, and decision-making capabilities. You’ll gain confidence in your ability to stop racing thoughts and allow you to focus on the present moment. This can help reduce stress and tension, ease mental exhaustion and burnout, and other cognitive signs of acute anxiety.
Stronger Relationships
During therapy, you’ll have a chance to bond with peers and build healthy relationships. In group therapy, you’ll practice coping and communication skills with your peers and walk away with lifelong friendships that’ll be there to keep your symptoms at bay. These friendships will help support you long after completing a treatment program and keep you on a healthy and productive path.
How Can Dual Diagnosis Treatment Help?
Dual diagnosis treatment tackles mental health challenges and substance abuse together, offering a comprehensive plan for well-being.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Care is tailored to each person’s unique needs, addressing specific challenges to improve effectiveness and long-term outcomes.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Many with co-occurring disorders face trauma or unresolved emotional issues. Dual diagnosis treatment targets these root causes for lasting recovery.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse is common as mental health and substance use can trigger each other. Treatment focuses on identifying triggers and building coping strategies to prevent relapse.
Get Started on Dual Diagnosis Treatment at The Ranch PA Today
Recovery Ranch PA supports individuals who are struggling with acute anxiety and want help in managing symptoms and triggers. Our dual diagnosis treatment program focuses on both disorders simultaneously through medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other beneficial therapies. You’ll work with a professional therapist in group and private therapy sessions to learn more about the disorder and how to better control your symptoms.
Don’t let acute anxiety prevent you from having a productive life. Fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our treatment center in Wrightsville, PA.