Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and OCD
Whether we call it stress, nervousness, or anxiety we all worry. Over thousands of years, our nervous systems have evolved a rapid messaging system between our brains and bodies to react quickly to threat and increase our survival. The human nervous system responds to detected threats by preparing the body to “Fight, flight, or freeze.” Some people are predisposed to having an extra sensitive fear center, which triggers a “false alarm” to perceived threats resulting in sticky anxious thoughts, safety behavior, or physical symptoms. When anxiety gets in the way of daily life, it may be considered an anxiety disorder—something that effects 30% of the U.S. population.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder that affects 2-3% of the population. OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and often repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Compulsions are triggered by obsessional thoughts or feelings (ie. fear of germs or feeling dread or impending doom) which are relieved by that action (ie. handwashing or tapping a certain number of times). Some individuals have primarily obsessions, and others have a combination of obsessions and compulsions. The repetitive behaviors, such as checking on things, counting, handwashing or other activities, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions. Obsessions can also negatively impact daily life, but can be less outwardly obvious to family and friends.
What is the difference between tics and compulsions? Tourette Syndrome is characterized by motor tics and can often be mistaken for OCD compulsions. Both tics and OCD compulsions can result in utterances and movements to relieve discomfort. However tics are triggered by an uncomfortable sensory perception and OCD is triggered by an uncomfortable thought. Tics are spontaneous and not associated with the need to satisfy a personal inner logic. Unlike compulsions, tics don’t need to be done in a certain way or a certain number of times.
Dr. Mann offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for individuals motivated to learn ways to manage generalized anxiety, phobias, and OCD symptoms on their own. She is also trained in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) for individuals living within a family system who are stuck in a pattern and whose family (often parents) are looking for ways to break the anxiety- accommodation cycle. For some individuals adding medication can provide another tool for anxiety management.
