How social workers can help treat anxiety disorders

While it is normal for people to experience occasional anxiety, individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders often feel the emotion affecting their daily lives. Today, it is estimated that about 40 million Americans suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. As this condition becomes more prevalent, individuals who are pursuing a social work degree may benefit from learning what causes anxiety disorders, what the symptoms are, and how they can help. By reading the resources below, master of social work, or MSW degree seekers can gain a broad knowledge of these topics.

General information about anxiety disorders

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and social workers may benefit from learning about each one, as they can be very different. The resources provided below outline certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social phobia.

Introduction to anxiety disorders: This website by the National Institute of Mental Health provides a brief overview of what anxiety disorders are and how they may manifest themselves in different individuals. MSW degree seekers may find this helpful when learning to differentiate the various types of anxiety disorders.

Advancement in the treatment of anxiety disorders: Using the Social Work Policy Institute's website, individuals can learn about how the treatment of anxiety disorders has advanced over the years, as well as what various groups are doing to further advance treatment options.

Panic disorder: One type of anxiety disorder is known as panic disorder. This resource by the U.S. National Library of Medicine describes what this condition entails as well as how it can be treated.

OCD: The International OCD Foundation outlines what OCD is, what it is caused by, and how it may be treated. As about 2 to 3 million people in the U.S. suffer from this type of anxiety disorder, it may be worthwhile for current and future social workers to study this condition in detail.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Frequently, PTSD is associated with individuals who have served in the military. However, while military members are at a higher risk of developing this anxiety disorder, civilians can also suffer from the illness. This website by the National Institute of Mental Health describes what PTSD is, why it occurs and how it can be treated.

The myths of PTSD: As there are many misconceptions about PTSD, this website by America's Heroes at Work gives more information for individuals who want to learn the facts about this illness. Among the information presented here, the website states that social workers can be useful in the PTSD recovery process, along with healthcare professionals like therapists, nurses and psychologists.

Social phobia: Sometimes called social anxiety disorder, this condition involves the fear of being in social situations. As individuals with this condition are at high risk for developing drug and alcohol abuse, social workers may want to research social phobia so that they may prevent individuals from developing a substance abuse problem.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders, as outlined by this website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Here, MSW degree seekers can find a wealth of information about GAD's symptoms, treatment options and complications.

The role of social workers in helping those with anxiety disorders

Many social workers who focus on behavioral health will find themselves working with individuals who have a type of anxiety disorder. The exact role these professionals play in treating the condition varies, but frequently, they work alongside doctors and nurses to ensure that people who suffer from anxiety disorders live normal, healthy lives.

Social workers and PTSD: This article in Social Work Today discusses how the treatment and diagnosis of PTSD has changed in recent years. Additionally, it describes what roles social workers play in ensuring the well-being of veterans who suffer from this illness.

OCD and how social workers can help: This resource by Help Starts Here outlines what social workers can do to assist individuals who have OCD. Social workers who specialize in behavioral health, especially those who earned an MSW degree, can play varied roles in helping people with OCD live normal, successful lives.

College anxiety and how social workers can help: As college stress can sometimes become a full anxiety disorder, social workers may work with these students to ensure that stress is not controlling their lives. This resource by Help Starts Here outlines what social workers can do to help college students.

Working with patients after a tragedy: This resource discusses social workers' experiences working with those who were directly affected by the September 11 attacks. Many of these professionals stated that their patients showed a great deal of anxiety as well as depression. Sometimes this can be a sign that the individual is suffering from an anxiety disorder like PTSD. 

POSTED BY: admin - December 30th, 2011 at 03:51pm ( 0 )