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Agoraphobia: Locked Inside

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Agoraphobia: Locked Inside

By: Camillia Ghavami

                Agoraphobia is an often misunderstood and unacknowledged anxiety disorder. It is characterized by feelings of intense anxiety and avoidance of situations or places that are believed to be hard to escape. Agoraphobia is most often developed after having one or more panic attacks, leading to a fear of having another attack and thus avoidance of places that are thought to trigger these attacks. This anxiety is caused because of a fear that if a panic attack were to occur, there would be no easy way to escape or get help. These situations can include being in a car or airplane, being alone outside the home, or in crowded areas. While relatively ignored, this disorder affected 0.9% of US adults in the last year and 1.3% of US adults are expected to develop agoraphobia over the course of their lifetime. Adolescents show higher rates of agoraphobia with 2.4% of US adolescents aged 13-18 having the disorder. Additionally, while there is no gender differences of agoraphobia prevalence for adults, adolescent females tend to be afflicted by this disorder more so than men, 3.4% and 1.4% respectively.  

                Treatment for this disorder is similar to treatment for most anxiety disorders. First, psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. CBT teaches people how to be less anxious by altering their thoughts, reactions, and behaviors to situations. An example of this that can be effective for agoraphobia is exposure therapy. Exposure therapy allows people to confront their fears and helps people engage in activities they had been avoiding due to anxiety. Secondly, agoraphobia can also be treated with medications, with the most common being antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta blockers. There are many ways to treat anxiety, and a health care provider can help you choose the best treatment.

If you or someone you know is suffering from agoraphobia, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/agoraphobia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355987

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/agoraphobia#part_2666

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders#part_2223

https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/overcoming-agoraphobia-qa

Couples Helped by Therapy

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Couples Helped by Therapy

By: Maya Weisberg

If you hear someone you know is in couples counseling you might assume they are fighting with their partner, unhappy, and on the verge of breaking up or getting a divorce. But contrary to popular belief, couples therapy can be used simply for maintenance purposes. Couples may want to work on strengthening their relationship, learn strategies to deal with future challenges, or see the sessions as ways to prioritize each other despite a hectic schedule.

Many couples seek out a professional only once they are in an active crisis. Often times, this can cause difficulties in successfully addressing the issue(s) at hand. If a couple begins therapy when they are in a good place, future challenges can often be mitigated and addressed before they become detrimental.  Having scheduled time to talk with each other can also be very helpful in making sure partners are communicating with each other. Many people enjoy therapy with their partner as they get to learn more about each other that they might not have otherwise known.  Additionally, through carving out time to actively focus on their relationship, a couple may already be one step closer to avoiding future conflict.

Eliminating the notion that couples therapy is only for those who are in a relationship emergency is crucial. Many couples who would not classify their relationship as “rocky” or “troubled” can benefit immensely from sessions with a trained professional. Couples who do engage in this maintenance therapy sessions may prevent future problems, grow closer to each other, and feel overall happier and satisfied in their relationship.

If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing couples counseling, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources: https://www.marriage.com/advice/counseling/learn-how-couples-counseling-can-be-used-as-preventative-maintenance/

Social Anxiety: The Surprising Ways Parents Contribute to Social Anxiety in Their Kids

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Social Anxiety: The Surprising Ways Parents Contribute to Social Anxiety in Their Kids

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Being a parent means you will have a defining influence on your child’s emotional and social development. From an early age, your child’s distinct temperament will control how they would respond to the environment. Temperament refers to personality traits that determine individuals’ interactions with their environment. While some children are ready for new experiences, others may demonstrate shyness or uneasiness when faced with unpredictable events. Shyness is a feature of childhood; however, children whose shyness, hesitation to engage in social interactions, or other inhibited behaviors are consistent from infancy to adolescence are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety in their teenage years. Discovering this connection could aid you in nurturing your child’s emotional health from birth.

Moreover, a child that shows signs of shyness may hesitate when contacting new people and places, only look down or ignore other children or adults they do not know, and feel uncomfortable to express themselves when participating in social activities. Although, shyness can be temporary, the occurrence of shy behavior in several stages of childhood may mean that there is a need for such a child to have some extra support in their social skills.

Research highlights the crucial role of early intervention as children with shy or cautious natures during their early years have a higher chance of developing social anxiety disorder in their teenage years (Chronis-Tuscano et al., 2009). Researchers considered the possibility that kids who have been shy or anxious from infancy through childhood are more likely to develop anxiety disorders as teenagers (Chronis-Tuscano et al., 2009).

In a similar study, Poole and other researchers followed a group of infants from the age of four months. They monitored their social and emotional development until they were 13 years old. They wanted to know if the infants’ type of response to new situations (positive, negative, or neutral) would influence their behavior and social skills in the future as they grow older. Their research outlined how social anxiety can evolve and how early characteristics may influence these paths (Poole et al., 2022).

For example, if your child’s shyness is why they cannot participate in activities that are part of their day-to-day life or make friends. Then, it may be time to seek the help of a pediatrician or a clinical psychologist. The early intervention could assist in identifying any anxiety that might be the root cause of the problem, and your child will be equipped with the required abilities for a better future. Knowing that temperament from early on can influence mental health later on, one can take active roles in building the child’s development. It’s important to work out open communication with your child and make sure that you pay attention to their emotional needs. The more you do, the better it will be for your child to build these skills and establish valuable social interactions to help children reach their full potential.

If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety or mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

References:

https://kidsinfinitelearning.com/social-anxiety-in-kids/

Chronis-Tuscano, A., Degnan, K. A., Pine, D. S., Perez-Edgar, K., Henderson, H. A., Diaz, Y., Raggi, V. L., & Fox, N. A. (2009). Stable early maternal report of behavioral inhibition predicts lifetime social anxiety disorder in adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(9), 928–935. https://doi.org/10.1097/chi.0b013e3181ae09df

Poole, K. L., Degnan, K. A., Harrewijn, A., Almas, A., Fox, N. A., & Henderson, H. A. (2022).Trajectories of socially anxious behavior from age 5 to 13: Temperamental and sociocognitive pathways. Child Development, 93(5), 1334–1346. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13767

Social Anxiety in Kids: Common Symptoms & Helpful Tips

Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: Understanding the Differences and Seeking Help

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: Understanding the Differences and Seeking Help

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Have you ever felt your heart racing and felt completely detached from the world? Chances are, you may be experiencing a panic attack. Or have you ever felt so irritable and restless to the point where it’s disrupting your sleep? Well, in that case, you may be experiencing anxiety or an anxiety attack. Don’t get the two confused, as there are differences between them.

Panic attacks are intense, unexpected feelings of terror, fear, or discomfort. They are unexpected because they aren’t triggered by specific events and may occur without reason. Panic attacks are typically brief and only last several minutes. Physical symptoms include trembling, tingling, rapid heart rate, chest pain, feeling tightening in arms and hands, chills, etc. Symptoms vary from person to person, but these are the most common.

Anxiety attacks or anxiety are characterized by feeling restless and fearful that something is going to happen. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are triggered by specific events. Some physical symptoms include feeling lightheaded, dizzy, stomach knots, rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, hot flashes, nausea, headaches, backaches, and frequent sweating. Frequent anxiety attacks can indicate a type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety may not always be rational and may just occur because of fearing something bad is going to happen, even though it may just be all in your head.

It’s important to understand how you can differentiate between the two and to seek help when you need it. Often people don’t want to seek help, which can cause symptoms to worsen. Don’t be afraid to seek help, as there are many options available, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself. Remember that you are not alone, and many others have experienced similar symptoms. It’s okay to ask for help and take the steps necessary to manage your anxiety or panic attacks. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome these challenges and live a fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)

https://www.self.com/story/anxiety-disorder-symptoms

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-attack-symptoms

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307863

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

REM Sleep: The Consequences of Disrupting your Sleep Pattern

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

REM Sleep: The Consequences of Disrupting your Sleep Pattern

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Believe it or not, lack of sleep affects you more than just feeling groggy the next day. In fact, sleep plays an important role when it comes to brain function. Your brain needs the time to rest and prepare for the next day.

There are four stages of sleep: the first three stages are called NREM which stands for non-rapid eye movement and the fourth and final stage is called REM, which stands for rapid eye movement. These stages of sleep cycle multiple times throughout the night. They each last between 90-120 minutes. REM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep and where you might start to experience dreaming.

What people might not realize is that REM sleep is the stage of sleep where memories from the events that happened the previous day are forming and being engraved in your brain. Think of your brain as this filing cabinet where sleep would be the best time for your brain to start sorting all these memories. Even emotions and emotional memories are processed in REM sleep. Making sure you have adequate sleep helps with learning and being able to recall what you just learned. So next time, if you feel like neglecting sleep, think again!

If you or someone you know is struggling with sleeplessness, or mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources:

https://www.sleepstation.org.uk/articles/sleep-science/rem-sleep

High Functioning Depression

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High Functioning Depression By: Nicole Sanchez

High-functioning depression, also known as dysthymia, is a type of depression that can be described by persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, and a lack of pleasure in activities. People that have high-functioning depression may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and/or a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. One of the main differences between high-functioning depression and other forms of depression is the severity of symptoms. Individuals with major depressive disorder may experience highly intense feelings of hopelessness and despair; however those with high-functioning depression may have a more subtle experience of these symptoms. Those with high functioning depression may still be able to fulfill their responsibilities such as work or school, and maintain their relationships, but they may constantly battle with feelings of emptiness and sadness. Another difference has to do with the perception of others. People with high-functioning depression are oftentimes misunderstood and since they appear to be functioning well, others may minimize or dismiss their issues or attribute their feelings to mere moodiness.

Psychotherapy is an effective treatment approach for high-functioning depression. By working with a therapist to identify and transform negative thought patterns, people are able to improve their wellbeing by exploring healthy ways of managing emotions and stress. In some cases, medication may be part of the treatment plan for high-functioning depression. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2023/The-Reality-of-High-Functioning-Depression

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of depression, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Bipolar Disorder

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Bipolar Disorder

By: Nicole Sanchez

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder and mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking and behavior. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks or months and interfere with ability to carry out daily tasks. When one becomes depressed, they may go through feelings of sadness, hopelessness and or loss of interest in many activities. When one’s mood shifts to mania, one may feel euphoric, energized or irritable. These shifts in mood can impact a person’s sleep, activity or energy levels, behavior and their ability to think clearly. Each type of bipolar disorder includes periods between manic or depressive episodes when symptoms lessen, or people feel stable. The greatest difference between the types of disorder is how extreme the mood states are and their duration. Bipolar I Disorder includes having a history of at least one manic episode, but sometimes also having depressed or hypomanic episodes as well. Bipolar II Disorder includes mood states that vary from an even mood to high to low, although the highs are less extreme and are called hypomanic states.

Individuals with bipolar disorder can be treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can aid in managing mood swings and other symptoms. Some people may need to try different medications before determining which medication works best for them. Therapy aids individuals in accepting their disorder, being familiar with the warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, developing coping strategies, and sticking with a medication schedule. While people may sometimes experience some stability in their mood between episodes, a long-term, continuous treatment plan is suggested as it can reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings.

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/bipolar

Social Anxiety: How Bullying Affects The Disorder

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Social Anxiety: How Bullying affects the disorder

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Do you find yourself seeking the approval of people yet being bullied in return?  Often, we feel the need to be liked by others and we find ourselves changing who we are. When you are continuously attempting to impress others by pretending to be someone you are not or hiding your genuine self, you are manifesting a fear of rejection. Unfortunately, others may be able to notice your fears and use them against you since you are trying too hard to “fit in”.

Emotional abuse is real, and it may be just as harmful as physical abuse. Emotional abuse creates distress in the individual’s emotional or psychological state. Kids can be harsh, and the Pew Research Center reports that at least 59% of kids in the United States have been bullied. Bullying can lead to low self-esteem and increased self-consciousness. This creates a negative feedback loop in which bullied people are more inclined to suffer from social anxiety, and vice versa. Bullying can potentially escalate into physical violence, resulting in pain on both fronts.

But what is Social Anxiety?

According to the DSM-IV, Social Anxiety is defined as feeling frightened or worried in social situations, which may lead to the desire to avoid social encounters altogether. Unfortunately, bullying does not help; instead, it can worsen symptoms as anxiety sets in, when anything one does is criticized and, as a result, is emotionally abused.

What can you do about it?

First and foremost, in dealing with the disorder, you must not feed the desire to avoid social interactions. The more we care about what others think, the more we lose ourselves and suppress our genuine identities. It is crucial to remember that bullying occurs more frequently than you think and if you allow it to disrupt your life, you are merely hurting yourself.

If you or someone you know is a victim of bullying and/or experiencing social anxiety, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at  (212) 722-1920 or (201) 368-3700 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/bullying-and-anxiety-connection-460631#:~:text=It%20is%20not%20surprising%20that,them%20over%20and%20over%20again.

 https://www.brosix.com/blog/cyberbullying-statistic/

Binge-Eating Disorder: The Link between Mental Health and Binge-Eating in College Students

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Binge-Eating Disorder: The Link between Mental Health and Binge-Eating in College Students

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Have you heard of the commonly used expression, the “Freshman 15”? This expression is used to describe how the first year of college can be very challenging as one is transitioning to a different stage of their life. It is so challenging that it could lead to an excessive amount of stress and anxiety leading to the need to compensate those feelings. Food can very well help compensate those feelings, but if it comes to a point where it becomes a habit, you’ve got problems. Overeating may start to occur and that’s where the “Freshman 15” expression comes in. “15” in the expression refers to the amount of weight gain as a result of the high stress and anxiety levels that comes with freshman year of college. Unfortunately this could cause long term problems associated with overeating such as Binge-Eating Disorder.

Binge-Eating Disorder is characterized as overeating frequently in a short amount of time. The binge-eater experiences trouble controlling their consumption. According to the DSM-IV, in order to be diagnosed with Binge-Eating Disorder, one must have three or more episodes of:

  • Excessively eating more consistently than normal
  • Overeating until feeling uncomfortably full
  •  Eating big portions of food without being hungry
  •  Having the preference of eating alone due to embarrassment
  •  Feeling guilty after indulging in food.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or binge-eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (212) 722-1920 or (201) 368-3700 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)

OCD & Obsessions

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OCD & Obsessions by Nicole Sanchez

Obsessive compulsive disorder is comprised of a pattern of unwanted thoughts and or fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead one to do repetitive behaviors, also called obsessions. These obsessions and compulsions interfere with much of one’s daily activities and can cause a lot of distress. Ultimately, one feels driven to carry out compulsive acts to reduce their stress. Examples of common content of obsessional thoughts include the fear of contamination, disturbing sexual thoughts or images, religious and blasphemous thoughts, or ritualized hand washing. Ordering things in a particular way, repeated cleaning of objects or repeatedly checking locks, appliances etc. Compulsions can even include the need to constantly seek approval or reassurance. Often there are peole with OCD that recognize or suspect their obsessional thoughts are not realistic though some may think they could be true.  Even if they are aware of their intrusive thoughts are not realistic, people struggling with OCS have difficulty disengaging from the obsessive thoughts or stopping the compulsive behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is effective for many of those that struggle with OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a part of CBT therapy which involves exposing a person over time to the feared object or obsession, such as dirt. Then one learns ways not to do their compulsive rituals. ERP takes time and practice, but it has been proven to help those struggling with OCD improve their life quality once they learn to manage their symptoms. Patients with mild to moderate OCD symptoms are usually treated with either CBT or medication depending on their preference. It also depends on their cognitive abilities, level of insight and the presence or absence of associated psychiatric conditions, as well as treatment availability. Hypnosis has often also been used to successfully eliminate OCD symptoms. Hypnosis is a relatively short treatment of several sessions which helps the person rid themselves of harmful, repetitive behaviors.

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of OCD, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder