Madison, Wisconsin’s Premier Treatment Center for Anxiety

Opening December 2024

Anxiety is a natural response to stressful or challenging situations. However, excessive fear and worry that interferes with daily life could indicate an anxiety disorder.  

Shorewood Behavioral Health, located in Madison, Wisconsin, serves adolescents and adults who are experiencing the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Through our patient-centered approach and evidence-based care, we strive to provide highly effective treatment and help you discover inner peace. 

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own presentation and diagnostic criteria. The four most common anxiety disorders are: 

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): GAD is characterized by extreme worry about personal and professional obligations. This condition can cause irritability, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances, lack of mental clarity, and fatigue.  
  • Social anxiety disorder: A person who is dealing with social anxiety disorder may avoid social interactions because they fear being judged or negatively perceived by others. As a result, they can find it hard to form connections, which can lead to loneliness and isolation.  
  • Panic disorder: Someone who struggles with panic disorder has intense and often unexpected panic attacks on a frequent basis. The individual may stay away from unfamiliar locations or situations that they fear could trigger an attack. 
  • Specific phobia: Specific phobia involves overwhelming, immediate, and persistent anxiety about a certain object or situation. For example, exposure to the feared stimulus, such as an animal, a thunderstorm, or a needle, can cause discomfort and a desire to escape. It is common for individuals to suffer from more than one phobia. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) identifies several additional anxiety disorders: 

  • Agoraphobia: Situations like public transportation, open or enclosed spaces, crowds, and places outside the home can cause panic-like symptoms. A person who deals with this condition may avoid these places due to fears of embarrassment, danger, or even death. 
  • Separation anxiety disorder: Typically emerging in childhood, separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear or worry about being separated from their home or loved ones, which can lead to emotional distress. 
  • Selective mutism: Children may struggle to speak in certain social settings, such as at school with their classmates, but speak comfortably in other environments, like at home with their family. This can hinder academic performance and may impact personal relationships and career opportunities later in life. 
  • Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder: Symptoms of this disorder occur during or after the use of a substance or medication, and an individual often suffers from panic attacks.  
  • Anxiety disorder due to other medical conditions: This type of anxiety disorder results from an underlying physical health condition, such as a chronic illness.  
  • Other specified anxiety disorders and unspecified anxiety disorders: These categories cover cases of anxiety that don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for other anxiety disorders but still require attention and treatment. 

Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Each type of anxiety disorder has its own unique symptoms, but they can all have a profound impact on an individual’s life. Someone who is dealing with an anxiety disorder often experiences overwhelming symptoms that last for six months or more. According to the National Institutes of Health, cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms of anxiety include: 

  • Extremely fearful about certain settings or potential threats  
  • Frequently feeling nervous, worrisome, or on edge 
  • Disturbing thoughts or detachment from reality 
  • Difficulty concentrating or poor memory 
  • Trouble speaking or communicating effectively 
  • Rapid heart rate or breathing 
  • Dizziness, nausea, or upset stomach 
  • Chills or sweating 
  • Muscle tension or weakness 
  • Irritability or frustration 
  • Restlessness or pacing 
  • Inability to react or respond to stressors 
  • Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety 

Experiencing occasional fear or worry is a common part of life, but when these emotions take a toll on your well-being, it may be time to seek professional help. At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we offer compassionate care and effective strategies to help ease this burden.  

Risk Factors for Anxiety

The National Institute of Mental Health identifies some common risk factors for anxiety: 

  • Having a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions 
  • Experiencing shyness or nervousness in unfamiliar settings during childhood 
  • Living through stressful or traumatic events 

Additionally, anxiety symptoms can be triggered or worsened by: 

  • Physical health problems, such as thyroid disease or cardiovascular conditions 
  • Caffeine consumption 
  • Substance use or medication 

Facts & Statistics About Anxiety Disorders

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting more than 19% of adults each year. Prevalence rates for the four main types of anxiety disorders are: 

  • Generalized anxiety disorder: Nearly 7 million adults (3.1%) 
  • Panic disorder: Approximately 6 million adults (2.7%) 
  • Social anxiety disorder: Roughly 15 million adults (7.1%) 
  • Specific phobias: About 19 million adults (9.1%) 

On a global scale, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 300 million people suffer from anxiety disorders, highlighting their widespread impact. 

Potential Effects of Untreated Anxiety

If anxiety goes untreated, it can be detrimental to a person’s mental, physical, and social well-being. Potential long-term effects of anxiety disorders include: 

  • Impaired relationships and work productivity 
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors 
  • Chronic stress and physical health conditions 
  • Substance abuse 
  • Reduced quality of life 
  • Worsening of symptoms or development of another mental health concern 
  • Social isolation 

When you’re dealing with anxiety, the thought of reaching out for professional support can seem daunting. At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we’re here to help you take this first step and find the right level of care for your needs.  

Benefits of Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Receiving treatment for an anxiety disorder can be life-changing. When you make the decision to seek help, you can:  

  • Significantly reduce your symptoms 
  • Gain knowledge about anxiety disorders 
  • Learn effective ways to cope with stress and manage your emotions 
  • Improve your overall quality of life 
  • Strengthen your relationships with friends and family 
  • Increase your self-awareness and confidence 
  • Enhance your physical health 
  • Receive support from qualified professionals 
  • Engage with peers who empathize with your journey 

At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we offer age-appropriate care for adolescents and adults who are suffering from anxiety. Our skilled staff works together to provide the highest quality of care, helping you find relief and make meaningful progress. 

Anxiety Disorder Support in Madison, Wisconsin

If you’re struggling with an anxiety disorder, finding the right support can make all the difference. At our campus in Madison, Wisconsin, we offer a comprehensive range of services to guide you on the path to healing. Before you begin your journey with us, our team will complete a comprehensive assessment with you. This will help us understand your specific needs and create your personalized care plan, which may include: 

  • Daily group therapy sessions led by nurses, therapists, social workers, and mental health technicians 
  • Basic medical care provided by doctors and nurse practitioners 
  • Medication management services provided by psychiatrists, physicians, and nursing staff 
  • Daily experiential therapies, such as art and music therapy 

We also incorporate evidence-based practices, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. These methods have proved effective in treating anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions. 

Group therapy sessions are fundamental to our treatment approach. In a supportive space, you can share your experiences and connect with others. Our therapists and counselors guide these sessions, helping you explore topics relevant to your healing journey, set goals, and gain valuable skills.  

At our state-of-the-art anxiety treatment center in Madison, Wisconsin, you’ll find a welcoming environment and a team made up of compassionate professionals who are committed to your growth. Our goal is to equip you with the tools you need to succeed and build a foundation for long-term wellness.  

By choosing to seek anxiety treatment, you’re taking a crucial step toward a healthier, happier life. We recognize how difficult this decision can be, and we’re here to help you navigate this process. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.