Anxiety Disorders – Forms and Symptoms

Generalized anxiety disorder
Image: anxietywellness.org

As a privately practicing therapist in Fort St. John, British Columbia, Eddi Sponza counsels couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Eddi Sponza focuses particularly on the treatment of anxiety in its various forms.

While almost everyone experiences situational anxiety around a high-stakes event, such as a first date or a review at work, some individuals experience long-term chronic worry that interferes with daily function. When anxiety reaches this level, it becomes a diagnosable anxiety disorder. These disorders typically develop in one of three primary forms.

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, causes an individual to worry excessively and continuously. Feelings of concern and fear may be ongoing for several days or may be episodic, though these experiences are typically out of logical proportion to the situation. Physical symptoms, such as a racing heart and difficulty concentrating, are also common elements of the condition.

Likewise, an episode of panic disorder can arise any time and often without warning. Panic attacks, however, generate intense feelings of fear and often severe physical symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, and a sensation of choking. Such attacks make an individual feel out of control and can cause a person to worry in between attacks about when the next one will occur.

Social anxiety is somewhat more predictable in that it correlates specifically with being in the presence of or in front of others. Those who struggle with social anxiety worry about others judging them and may have difficulty interacting. These worries can become so severe that the person with social anxiety will avoid social contact and will shake, sweat, or feel nauseous when in the company of others. Like other forms of anxiety, this condition frequently responds to treatment by a metal health professional.

Specialties of Eddi Sponza

Eddi Sponza

Eddi Sponza has opened up a new office in Fort St. John, British Columbia. He is practising at Maple Place, suite #104 – 9807 101 Avenue in Fort St. John. Eddi has ten years of university and is a qualified Psychotherapist and a member in good standing with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. He has expertise as a Counselling Therapist in the fields of : Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Disordered Eating, Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress, and Grief.

In addition, he is a Certified Acupressurist working on the posterior aspect of neck, back, and legs; especially due to trauma from sports or work injuries. Associated with that, he is proficient in taping of work-related and sports injuries. Eddi Sponza is also competent in post-operative care by cleaning wounds, replacing bandages, and removal of stitches.

In his private practise he works with people of all ages and includes an eclectic approach with his clients. He uses aspects of play therapy with children, to cognitive-behavioural techniques with depressed and anxious clients, to culturally sensitive practises with Aboriginal and diverse populations.

An Overview of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Eddi Sponza has worked as a private practice therapist and counselor for more than 26 years. During his time in this position, Eddi Sponza, a graduate of Vancouver’s University of British Columbia, has treated conditions ranging from depression to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a psychological condition brought about by intense stress, fear, or other feeling of distress. While popularly cited causes of PTSD include military service and car accidents, any emotionally disturbing event can generate the sudden flashbacks, nightmares, and overwhelming episodes of anxiety that characterize the disorder.

The frightening and stressful events that lead to PTSD generally leave a lasting emotional impact on a person. In many cases, the passing of time and appropriate self-care can help an individual move forward with life and heal psychologically. If a person’s fight-or-flight reaction is damaged during the event, however, the brain may no longer be able to differentiate between stressful situations and everyday life.

Individuals demonstrating symptoms of PTSD should seek medical and psychological treatment as soon as possible.