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Ms. Tiffanni L. Downey, MS, NCC is a counselor in Pittsburgh, PA specializing in counseling and child psychology. Ms. Tiffanni L. Downey, MS, NCC is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network.
Allegheny Health Network
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Anxiety
Anxiety is a generic name given to a variety of conditions characterized by unusual amounts of fear and worry, especially unrealistic fears and tension. People who suffer from anxiety often are aware that their fears are irrational, but that knowledge does not make the feeling of being scared and anxious go away. To qualify as anxiety, symptoms must last for 6 months or more and interfere with the way a person lives their daily life. Some cases may be mild, where, for example, a person simply avoids certain situations. Other cases can be severe enough to be disabling.
Some of the specific conditions covered under the general label of anxiety include:
Collectively, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues diagnosed in the United States -- even more common than depression. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety, and it is extremely common for a person with anxiety to have another illness at the same time, such as depression, a physical illness, or substance abuse.
Treatment for anxiety usually involves medication and psychotherapy together. Medications used may include antidepressants (which also work for anxiety), anti-anxiety medications, or beta blockers (which can be used to control the physical symptoms of anxiety). Psychotherapy can be useful to teach patients new ways of thinking and reacting so that they can manage their feelings of worry and fear. Support groups can also be very effective for anxiety, and they can be a form of treatment themselves for social phobias. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and meditation all help reduce feelings of anxiety or of being out of control. Finally, having a strong support network of family and friends is an excellent way to help manage the difficulties of life with anxiety.
Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty in social interactions and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. There is no known cause of Asperger's syndrome. Experts believe that genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development, but no factors have been scientifically confirmed.
Asperger's syndrome was first identified by medical experts in the 1940s. It was thought to be a separate diagnosis from autism until 2013, when it was recognized as a form of autism. Asperger's is typically less severe than other types of autism, which can significantly limit cognitive ability. Many people with Asperger's have high intellectual ability and frequently excel in academics or a specific school subject, sometimes leading to the underdiagnosis of Asperger's syndrome. People with Asperger's also rarely exhibit speech delay, a predominant symptom of other forms of autism.
Early signs of Asperger's syndrome are typically displayed in childhood or adolescence. Some early signs of Asperger's syndrome include:
Children may be diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome by a pediatric neurologist, child psychologist, or pediatric neuropsychologist. Once a child is diagnosed with Asperger's, he or she may receive therapy or other treatments. While there are no drugs specifically intended for Asperger's, some doctors may prescribe antidepressant SSRIs (selective serotonin inhibitors) or stimulant medication to improve the mental health of some Asperger's patients.
Therapy can also help people with Asperger's, notably by improving their communication and guiding them to overcome personal issues and social difficulties. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can help patients identify patterns of repetitive behaviors and narrow interests that may hinder them. Conversely, therapists may also teach people how to take advantage of certain Asperger's symptoms, such as an intense focus on a single interest, and use it to positively affect themselves and others. Social skills training (SST) is another behavioral therapy that helps people with Asperger's. SST encourages people with Asperger's to refine their social and conversational skills in a safe environment. By learning social cues and practicing behaviors in real time, people can better adapt to social situations. For example, someone who struggles in workplace environments may memorize a number of talking points for use during normal conversation. Other treatments may include psychoactive prescription medications for stress and anxiety associated with Asperger's, as well as physical and occupational therapy for those struggling with coordination.
Although no cure for Asperger's syndrome currently exists, therapy can significantly enhance the quality of life for many "Aspies," or people with Asperger's syndrome. With ongoing therapy and support, people with Asperger's can learn to lessen their symptoms and while also strengthening their own interests and skills.
Family Therapy Services
Family therapy is sometimes also called family counseling or marriage and family therapy. It is a form of mental health care and therapy that treats a couple or entire family as a unit, paying special attention to how the members of the family interact with each other. Each family has a unique personality, communication style, and unique problems they face together. In family therapy, all members of the family attend counseling sessions as a group, and together they learn how to identify conflicts within and without the family, as well as how to communicate better and problem-solve together.
Some topics commonly addressed in family therapy include:
Family therapists may work in group practices, private practices, schools, or hospitals. They work with families of all different kinds to help them live together as a stronger unit.
She is certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.
Board Certification: National Board for Certified Counselors - Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Ms. Tiffanni L. Downey, MS, NCC is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Ms. Tiffanni Downey's areas of specialization are psychology and psychiatry. Her areas of expertise include the following: sleep terrors, tourette syndrome, and adjustment disorders. She is professionally affiliated with Allegheny Health Network. Ms. Downey is not accepting new patients at this time according to Yext.
