Remuda Ranch Launches New Treatment Program for Women with Anxiety Disorders

Women More Likely Than Men to Develop an Anxiety Disorder

Phoenix, November 17, 2008 -- Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders (http://www.remudaranch.com), the nation's leading and largest inpatient treatment center for individuals suffering from eating disorders, has launched a new treatment program for women aged 18 and older with anxiety disorders. The inpatient program will treat women suffering from:

• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  
• panic disorder
  
• specific phobia
  
• social anxiety disorder
  
• generalized anxiety disorder
  
• anxiety disorder NOS (not otherwise specified)
  
• OCD spectrum disorders, such as body dysmorphic disorder or trichotillomania
  

"Each year more than 23 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders," said Jennifer O'Connor, PhD, staff psychologist at Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders. "The likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder is 85 percent higher in women than in men. Today's hectic and stressful lifestyle may be contributing to a rise in anxiety disorders."

For many women, the effects of an anxiety disorder can be debilitating, preventing them from attending school, work or social activities on a daily basis. Too often, anxiety disorders are misunderstood or misdiagnosed. When left untreated, an anxiety disorder can quickly become incapacitating and may become too severe to be effectively treated on an outpatient basis. Unfortunately, most inpatient or residential psychiatric programs do not provide the type of highly specialized treatment interventions that will bring long-term relief for individuals with anxiety disorders.

Remuda's Anxiety Disorders Program (http://www.remudaranch.com/general/anxiety/index.php) provides highly specialized, scientifically valid and effective treatment to women suffering from debilitating anxiety disorders. The minimum stay is 60 days. This time in treatment is needed to stop negative behaviors, address critical issues and help patients and their families. All therapies occur within a cognitive behavioral framework and are based on Biblical Christianity. They include:

• Exposure with response prevention therapy
  
• Didactic presentations
  
• Skills groups
  
• Equine and canine therapy
  
• Art therapy
  
• Challenge course and recreation groups
  
• Movement and relaxation therapy
  
• Daily chapels, providing non-denominational Biblical teachings
  
• Spiritual growth groups
  

Remuda's programs and ranch settings are different from the traditional, institutional format offered at hospitals and clinics. Remuda's programs offer a balanced, multi-disciplinary team approach that is designed to treat the whole person and meet her unique medical, nutritional, psychological, and spiritual needs. "Remuda's treatment programs have successfully treated women with eating disorders for nearly 20 years," adds O'Connor. "About 50 percent of women who suffer from an eating disorder also struggle with an underlying anxiety disorder. During the past two decades, Remuda has treated more than 6,000 eating disordered women and girls who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Remuda is committed to providing help, hope and healing to women suffering from debilitating anxiety."

About Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders Remuda Programs for Eating Disorders offers Christian inpatient and residential treatment for individuals of all faiths suffering from an eating disorder. Each patient is treated by a multi-disciplinary team including a Psychiatric and a Primary Care Provider, Registered Dietitian, Masters Level therapist, Psychologist and Registered Nurse. The professional staff equips each patient with the right tools to live a healthy, productive life.

For more information, call 1-800-445-1900 or visit www.remudaranch.com.

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