Anxiety Specialist

Anxiety Q & A

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause persistent and intrusive fears and worries that disrupt your day-to-day life. 

The most common type of anxiety disorder is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD triggers worries about everyday situations, including work, family, health, or chores. Other types of anxiety include:

• Social anxiety
• Separation anxiety
• Panic disorder
• Specific phobias

The exact cause of anxiety isn’t fully understood. However, medical research indicates that a combination of factors, including irregular brain chemistry, a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions, and a personal history of trauma, contribute to anxiety. 

Additionally, other health conditions sometimes trigger anxiety, such as heart disease, thyroid disease, and chronic pain disorders.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety can cause a variety of mental and physical symptoms. For example, some of the common signs of anxiety include:

• Feeling nervous or tense
• Restlessness
• Poor concentration
• Distracted by worries
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased respiration
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Fatigue
• Disrupted sleep
• Avoidance behaviors

It’s also common to have depression along with anxiety. When left untreated, both anxiety and depression can severely impact your quality of life. Fortunately, with effective treatment, you can learn to manage your fears and restore your health and quality of life.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

At Psych Atlanta, treatment for anxiety begins with a comprehensive evaluation. During this first appointment, you talk in detail about your symptoms, overall health, and lifestyle. 

Depending on your needs, you may undergo medical testing to screen for signs of other diseases that could contribute to your symptoms.

Then, you receive a customized treatment plan designed not only to relieve your anxiety but also to improve your overall wellness. 

For example, your treatment plan may include prescription medication, a referral for therapy, and lifestyle modifications to your diet and exercise habits. 

In some cases, conventional medication for anxiety isn’t effective. If you have treatment-resistant anxiety, Psych Atlanta offers ketamine therapy as part of treatment plans, including IV infusions, intranasal sprays, and oral medicine. 

Ketamine affects different neurotransmitters and receptors in your brain and can often provide relief for anxiety when other treatments have failed. 

Call Psych Atlanta, lead by Medical Director, Michael Banov, or schedule a consultation online today if anxiety is interfering with your life.