Feeling anxiety from time to time is natural and to be expected. However, if you have an anxiety disorder or experience intense anxiety that affects your ability to lead the life you want, it’s time to seek support. Maureen Conway, PMHNP, offers outstanding support for various types of anxiety, including panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, as well as other mental health conditions like Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Call Resilient Psychiatry in the Northern Suburbs of Buffalo neighborhood of Williamsville, New York, to schedule an appointment or request one online, which is fast and easy. Telehealth visits are available.
Anxiety can happen in response to a stimulus, like being with a group of strangers, as experienced with social anxiety disorder. Or you may feel anxious all or most of the time. It can also result from a traumatic experience or a stressful event.
The causes of anxiety disorders are unknown. They are thought to have environmental, psychological, developmental, and genetic factors.
Types of anxiety disorders include:
GAD is the most common anxiety disorder. It causes continual worry and fear.
With a social anxiety disorder, any interactions with people cause significant anxiety. This can be highly disruptive, preventing people from enjoying relationships, study, work, and leisure activities.
More severe examples might be dropping out of school, total avoidance of social situations, such high anxiety that it's impossible to concentrate in group settings, or fear of leaving home.
Phobias cause immense terror that peaks when exposed to the subject of fear. This usually bears no relation to the actual threat the creature, object, or situation presents.
OCD involves excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). It’s characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors.
OCD often centers on themes such as the need to arrange objects in a specific manner or the fear of germs. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life.
Treatment includes medications, talk therapy, or a combination.
The two main treatments for general anxiety disorders are medications and psychotherapy. Often, people benefit most from a combination:
Several medications are used to treat anxiety, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and buspirone.
Talk with your Resilient Psychiatry provider, Maureen, about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects. Make sure to mention other medications, supplements, or vitamins you take during your visit.
Also known as talk therapy or counseling, this involves working with a therapist to reduce anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for GAD.
CBT focuses on teaching specific skills to directly manage worries and help patients gradually return to the activities they've avoided due to anxiety. This process improves symptoms as patients build on their initial success.
If you experience anxiety, know you are not alone, and help is available. Call Resilient Psychiatry to schedule an appointment or request one online at your earliest convenience.