
Collaborative Care Psychiatry
a n d M e n t a l H e a l t h
Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety is a natural emotion that plays a crucial role. When confronted with danger, the fight or flight response heightens alertness to ensure survival.
However, an anxiety disorder involves excessive, persistent worry, fear, or nervousness unrelated to real threats. It may lead to constant negative thoughts, expecting the worst, or feeling judged by others.
If you identify with these experiences, know that you're not alone. Anxiety disorders affect around 30% of adults at some stage. Remember, you don't have to endure anxiety alone; Collaborative Care Psychiatry and Mental Health is here to assist you.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders encompass a variety of conditions. Among the most prevalent are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias.
Social anxiety, characterized by fear and avoidance of social interactions, is a common phobia.
Additionally, conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also trigger anxiety.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
People with anxiety disorders can experience a wide range of signs and symptoms, such as:
o Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
o Feeling tired
o Trouble sleeping
o Unexplained chest pain
o Rapid breathing
o Sweating
o Trembling
o Increased heart rate
o Difficulty thinking about anything other than the current worry
o Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
o Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation
Anxiety can leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, which can lead to bouts of depression.
How is anxiety diagnosed and treated?
At Collaborative Care Psychiatry and Mental Health, we specialize in evaluating and managing symptoms of anxiety. During your initial visit, you will undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation utilizing various tools and technologies to tailor treatment to your specific needs, including cognitive testing. Our team of providers takes the time to understand you and involve you as a partner in creating your personalized anxiety treatment plan.
Our treatment approach focuses on educating you about your condition and providing relief. We offer access to resources that can enhance your understanding of your diagnosis, treatment options, and self-help techniques.
Anxiety treatment at our facility typically combines medication management with psychotherapy. Additionally, our providers may recommend incorporating lifestyle adjustments like dietary changes, exercise, and sleep hygiene. To determine the most suitable medication for you, we may propose in-office Genomind® pharmacogenetic testing.
Take the first step towards managing anxiety and enhancing your well-being by contacting Collaborative Care Psychiatry and Mental Health today or scheduling an appointment through our online portal.