Millions of people in the United States suffer from some form of an anxiety disorder, and many of them can potentially benefit from inpatient anxiety treatment. Anxiety disorders are the most common psychological disorders in the United States.
Anxiety tends to give a false perception that there is no hope for treatment, but that’s not the case. Anxiety can not only be treated, but it presents the best prognosis out of any psychological disorder. At SoCal Empowered, our knowledgeable and compassionate care team provides inpatient Orange County anxiety treatment along with treatment of other serious mental health disorders.
Our care team can assist individuals by providing immediate support, guidance, and referrals to help manage anxiety symptoms. Anxiety support services are available at our Mission Viejo and Lake Forest locations. Each facility provides a structured environment licensed by The California Department of Social Services (DSS). If you’re thinking you or a loved one may need mental health treatment in California, we are here to listen to your situation.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
As mentioned above, millions of people struggle with anxiety disorders in the United States. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 40 million adults endure some type of anxiety disorder every year. Worse, only about 37 percent of those suffering seek treatment.
An individual suffering from an anxiety disorder suffers through unrealistic fears that are blown out of proportion. They may anticipate failure and disaster in everything they do. Many people are unable to identify the cause of this ongoing anxiety, adding to the challenge.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
6.8 million adults struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or GAD. Only 42 percent of people who have it obtain treatment. GAD involves excessive worrying and long-lasting anxiety over normal or non-threatening events and objects. Often, an individual who suffers from GAD will experience fear at debilitating levels. They may continuously worry about their health, money, family, school, or job, and are unable to find healthy coping mechanisms.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder, which affects 6 million American adults, is defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes. However, these episodes are not as full-blown that are regular in bipolar I disorder. Panic attacks can cause severe physical symptoms (including difficulty breathing) which may require immediate medical attention.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD conditions arise when an individual has been exposed to a traumatic event and experiences severe anxiety attacks and/or flashbacks. 7.7 million American adults struggle with this challenge. They usually become triggered by a non-threatening event and may not realize the source of their symptoms right away.
Social Anxiety Disorder
15 million adults in the United States live with social anxiety disorder, and he or she has a severe fear of social situations. They may fear rejection, being judged, or potentially embarrassing themselves. Their sensitivity to others’ opinions can be so exaggerated that they are unable to enjoy social events or working in groups.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Individuals who suffer from OCD experience uncontrollable compulsions that drive ritualistic, repetitive, and highly disruptive behaviors. They may feel compelled to follow through on these compulsions to experience relief, when in reality these behaviors don’t solve the anxiety at the heart of the condition. 2.5 million American adults struggle with OCD.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is a fear of losing control within an environment. People with this disorder may feel fear of any unpredictable environment, which often keeps them housebound. Conditions that incite fear may include:
- Public transportation
- Open spaces
- Enclosed spaces
- Standing in line or being in a crowd
- Being outside of the home alone
Specific Phobias
Phobias occur when a person has an extreme fear of a specific object or situation, despite the actual level of potential danger. Common phobias include:
- Flying
- Driving
- Spiders
- Heights
Enclosed spaces
Signs You May Need Treatment For an Anxiety Disorder
- Persistent worry or fear that’s difficult to control
- Frequent panic attacks or sudden feelings of intense dread
- Avoiding places, situations, or people due to anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or constant restlessness
- Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trembling, or shortness of breath
- Trouble concentrating or feeling “on edge”
- Interference with work, school, or relationships due to anxiety
Many people try to cope with anxiety disorders on their own, but find their symptoms worsening over time. Recognizing the common signs and early warning signs can help you seek help and support for anxiety before symptoms escalate.
Who Gets Anxiety Disorders?
Generally speaking, anxiety disorders can be experienced by any gender. However, anxiety is more common among women. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 23.4 percent of women and 14.3 percent of men experienced an anxiety disorder from 2006 to 2007. In addition, the World Health Organization stated that along with depression disorders, anxiety disorders cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion per year.
One in four adolescents will experience symptoms persistent with an anxiety disorder. Teens with an anxiety disorder may turn to alcohol and other substances to cope. As such, it is crucial to seek anxiety treatment before it begins to have adverse effects on a person’s life.
Examples of Anxiety Treatments
Anxiety Medications
Medication can be prescribed to help ease anxiety symptoms, but it is not in itself a cure. Benzodiazepines work more quickly than antidepressants in relieving symptoms of anxiety. But one drawback of benzodiazepines is that a person’s body can become dependent, giving rise to the potential for withdrawal symptoms should someone ever stop using them.
Beta-blockers are usually used to treat high blood pressure, but they can also help relieve the physical symptoms of anxiety. They do not affect the psychological parts of anxiety, such as worry and fear.
Counseling is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for anxiety, either alone or in combination with medication, to support ongoing mental health and address underlying issues.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
The most common psychotherapy technique used for anxiety treatment is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). The techniques tied to this therapy modality enable the person to identify and change their thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. CBT can support the person with the anxiety disorder gaining confidence in their own personal ability to cope.
Exposure therapy is a form of CBT that can reduce the person’s response to fear and anxiety, especially in treating phobias. During exposure therapy, the person is exposed to their feared object or situation in a gradual process. Eventually, the repeated exposure reduces their fear and decreases avoidance.
Holistic Coping Mechanisms
Coping strategies such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness practices, and physical exercise can provide immediate symptom management and help individuals manage anxiety in the moment. Some treatments of these focus on short term relief. But lifestyle changes can help with maintenance of anxiety as part of overall personal health.
Choosing Inpatient vs. Outpatient Care for Anxiety
Outpatient care allows clients to receive therapy while maintaining work, school, and family responsibilities. It’s best for those with moderate anxiety symptoms who can manage daily life with consistent therapeutic support. Many clients start with outpatient programs and step up to inpatient care if symptoms escalate. Ultimately, the right choice should be made with a mental health professional who can assess the most effective path toward recovery.
FAQs About Anxiety Treatment
What symptoms indicate that someone may need treatment for anxiety?
Institutionalized care is often recommended when anxiety becomes debilitating, interferes with daily functioning, or leads to safety concerns such as self-harm. It’s also appropriate when outpatient treatment hasn’t been effective in the past.
How long does inpatient or residential anxiety treatment typically last?
Most programs last between 2-6 weeks, depending on symptom severity and progress. Some individuals may stay longer if they require additional stabilization. Treatment plans are always tailored to each person’s needs.
What types of therapies are used in institutionalized anxiety treatment programs?
Treatment programs typically include evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, exposure therapy, and medication management. Individuals often participate in individual, group, and family therapy sessions. Holistic therapy like our ecotherapy treatments may also be included.
Get Help Now with Inpatient Care at SoCal Empowered
Take that first step towards overcoming your anxiety disorder and achieving recovery. Give us a call today so our professional care team can help you understand what’s involved with anxiety treatment.
Dr. Sanjai Thankachen graduated from the Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medicine in 2000. He completed his residency in psychiatry in 2008 from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in New York, where fifty percent of his rotations were at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Thankachen sees patients with an array of disorders, including depression, bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and dementia-related problems.
