Take the Disorder out of OCD, Panic Disorder and Anxiety

by Dr. Craig April, Director of The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles
www.KickFear.com

Take the Disorder out of OCD, Panic Disorder and Anxiety.

Yes, your anxiety most likely has genetic and/or neurobiological roots. For example, many people that I treat at my center tend to be more prone to anxiety based on their wiring than others. This propensity is generally based on the above factors. Coming to terms with this is an important part of anxiety reduction.

And yes, in order to diagnose and categorize anxiety symptoms, the medical and psychological fields long ago addressed this by labeling each host of symptoms with the term Disorder based on how they interfere with one's life and other factors.

And yes, the labels can be helpful because awareness of one's particular "anxiety disorder" allows them to receive proper anxiety treatment and to depersonalize symptoms.

But, if you suffer with anxiety, once you are obtaining the proper anxiety therapy or counseling with CBT, you have got to accept that anxiety is about fear. Don't dismiss the reality of your neurobiology and genetics. But, once clear, you've got to face fear if you want to make progress.

You must look your fear in the eye and accept that this is what's holding you back.

When we focus too much on "Anxiety Disorder" (as many of us doctors and therapists tend to do) it can cloud the main issue. Not to mention, make you feel like you're just a label.

You're more than an anxiety disorder, no matter if you're suffering with panic attacks, obsessions, compulsions or some other anxiety issue.

With the specific tools and techniques of specialized anxiety therapy (CBT) you can overcome fear. And it just might be the most important, meaningful experience of your life. Facing fear empowers us, enlightens us and inspires us.

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You can contact Dr. Craig April at 310-429-1024