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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and often adaptive response to stress or a perceived threat. It is a natural part of the human experience. It can serve as a protective mechanism by alerting us to potential dangers and helping us prepare for challenges. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, or disproportionate to the situation, it can interfere with daily life and well-being, leading to an anxiety disorder.

Diagnosis​

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or apprehension. Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

  1. Excessive worry: Constant, intrusive, and unrealistic concerns about everyday events or situations.
  2. Restlessness: Feeling on edge, keyed up, or unable to relax.
  3. Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy, even without physical exertion.
  4. Difficulty concentrating: Finding it hard to focus on tasks or make decisions.
  5. Muscle tension: Physical symptoms such as tense muscles or trembling.
  6. Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.

 

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and more. These conditions can vary in terms of their specific symptoms and triggers.

Treatment options​

A man on a couch being treated with sedative IV therapy

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KaT)

Ketamine has received increased attention as an effective interventional treatment modality over recent years. The evidence supporting the use of ketamine for anxiety disorders is growing. Many case reports, series, and clinically controlled trials have demonstrated clinical applications with regard to the treatment of anxiety.

A woman on a couch in therapy

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, is a well-established and effective treatment for Anxiety. There are different types of psychotherapy, and they can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has the highest level of evidence for working with anxiety disorders.

A woman receiving rTMS, with a doctor positioning a machine near her head.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)​

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive medical treatment that regulatory authorities have approved for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric conditions. The current literature surrounding rTMS’s effectiveness for anxiety continues to increase. Recent literature indicates that rTMS was just as effective for General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as it was for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Further randomized controlled trials are important to determine if rTMS is effective for anxiety disorders.

A group of people seated in comfortably in a furnished office space.

Special Access Program (SAP)

Health Canada’s Special Access Program enables the use of certain psychedelic substances that are not marketed in Canada as requested by practitioners. Access is typically granted for treating, diagnosing, or preventing serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies or medications have failed. The SAP may be a viable option for anxiety disorders, should the designated practitioner think it may be necessary or beneficial.

Reach Out

If any of this strikes a chord for you or for a loved one, please take some time to reflect on these considerations before reaching out to us to book an Info Session. From there, we can support you in determining whether one of our treatments could be right for you, and how to begin your healing journey with Cena Life.

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