We Specialize in Treating:

• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder

• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Psychological Trauma
• Abuse
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Low Self-Esteem
• Relationship Issues
• Risk Taking Behaviors
• Self Mutilation
• Unresolved Grief

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment at Bridges to Recovery

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is chronic and excessive worry and apprehension. The worry occurs more often than not and is related to a number of events. People with GAD may have both psychological and physical symptoms including restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance, muscle tension, being easily fatigued and difficulty concentrating. Sufferers often complain of subjective distress, an inability to relax and difficulty controlling their worry. You may have GAD if your anxiety is centered around everyday life events such as family and work responsibilities, being late for appointments, the well-being of your children, health, household duties, etc. Usually the intensity, duration and frequency of the anxiety are not proportionate to the likelihood or impact of the feared event or circumstance. Sufferers of GAD will often tremble, twitch, feel shaky, or startle easily. They may have muscle aches or soreness in their back, neck and shoulders. They may also have depressive symptoms. Residential treatment offered by Bridges to Recovery to address general anxiety in our residential facility in Los Angeles, California is a safe place to begin to find solutions to this psychiatric disorder.

What are the causes of Anxiety Disorders?

A number of causal factors are associated with excessive anxiety. They include environmental stress from work, school, family, relationships, loss, pain, discomfort, illness, injury or trauma. Many sufferers have felt anxious since childhood. Indifferent, detached, or rejecting parents may have caused their anxiety. In many cases, overanxious and overprotective parents communicate a lack of confidence in our ability to cope, increasing our own anxiety and causing us to have feelings of inadequacy. Anxiety disorders can occur after being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, military combat, incarceration, violent attacks including mugging, rape, torture, being kidnapped, held hostage, or being abused. Excessive anxiety can also be caused by being involved in or witnessing a serious accident or natural disaster. There may be a genetic component to anxiety, so people with a family history of excessive anxiety, may have increased vulnerability to developing an anxiety disorder.

What are the therapies for Anxiety Disorders?

Many anxiety disorders are treated with medication, but medication is not a cure and it is not the only solution. Psychotherapy or "talk therapy," is also effective. For most people, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the best approach to treatment. Cognitive-Behavioral and Behavioral therapy focusing on a change in destructive thinking patterns and confronting fear is usually effective for anxiety disorders. Participating in group therapy is often a significant ally in the battle against anxiety. Stress management techniques including meditation, massage, exercise, and a healthy diet are also effective. Unfortunately, anxiety disorders often co-exist with other anxiety disorders, depression or substance abuse. At Bridges to Recovery, we will work with you to find the right solution.