Our Specialties

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes, even in the absence of apparent danger or triggers. It's important to note that experiencing a panic attack doesn't necessarily mean one has panic disorder.

During a panic attack, individuals may experience:

• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Profuse sweating
• Shaking or tingling sensations
• Chest discomfort
• A sense of impending catastrophe
• Feeling a loss of control

Those diagnosed with panic disorder often experience anxiety about future attacks and may alter their behavior to avoid situations they associate with these episodes. The frequency of panic attacks can vary greatly, ranging from multiple occurrences daily to only a few instances per year.

Specific phobias are characterized by irrational or abrupt fears of particular objects or situations. These fears can arise without any direct traumatic experience, such as someone developing a fear of spiders without ever being bitten by one. The anxiety caused by these phobias can be significant enough to lead individuals to avoid situations or objects that trigger their fear, even when they know logically that the fear is irrational or excessive.

The fear associated with specific phobias can be so strong that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. While many people have mild fears or dislikes, a specific phobia involves a much more intense reaction. Symptoms may include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, or a strong desire to escape the situation.

Types of Specific Phobias:

• Animal Phobias (snakes, dogs, spiders)
• Heights
• Blood, injections
• Situational Phobia (airplanes, elevators)
• Vomiting

Health Anxiety, also known as Somatic Symptom Disorder or Illness Anxiety Disorder, is a condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with having a serious or life-threatening illness. Individuals with health anxiety often misinterpret minor symptoms or normal bodily sensations as indicators of severe disease. This can lead to frequent visits to healthcare providers, seeking reassurance, or avoiding medical care out of fear of bad news. People with health anxiety might engage in behaviors such as researching diseases excessively, repeatedly checking their bodies for signs of illness, or avoiding certain situations or stimuli they believe could trigger symptoms. This condition can cause significant distress and impact daily functioning, even when there is no medical evidence of a serious health problem.

Common Symptoms:

• Constant worry about having or developing a serious disease or health condition
• Believing that minor symptoms or normal body sensations indicate a serious illness
• Finding little or no comfort from negative test results or a doctor’s reassurance that they are healthy
• Focusing intensely on a particular medical condition or the risk of developing one, especially if it runs in the family
• Frequently checking the body for signs of illness, such as lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities
• Regularly making medical appointments or visiting different healthcare providers for reassurance
• Avoiding people, places, or activities perceived as risky to health
• Constantly researching symptoms or possible illnesses online, often leading to increased anxiety