I’m anxious all of the time, do I have clinical anxiety?
Only about 25% of those diagnosed with an anxiety disorder get the treatment they need.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Feeling anxious is a natural part of life and a typical reaction to stress or danger, keeping us vigilant and prepared for challenges. But when this anxiety is overwhelming, constant, and disrupts everyday activities, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. It’s important to identify when anxiety starts to impede your life and to ensure you receive the necessary support.
At Platinum Psychiatry, we offer comprehensive evaluations, accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans to help you effectively manage and overcome anxiety disorders.
Irritability or Agitation
Restlessness
Difficulty Concentrating
Increased Heart rate
Sleep Disturbance
Muscle Tension
Excessive Worry
Sweating
Trembling or Shaking
Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Shortness of Breath
Nausea or Upset Stomach
Types Of Anxiety
Anxiety can be categorized into several types based on its duration, intensity, and specific triggers.
Here are some broad categories:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Acute Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Performance Anxiety
Situational Anxiety
Free-Floating Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are intense episodes characterized by overwhelming fear or discomfort, often accompanied by symptoms like a racing heart, difficulty breathing, trembling, and a feeling of impending danger.
To manage a panic attack, concentrate on slow, deep breathing, grounding methods such as tactile or verbal cues from your surroundings, and calming activities like listening to soothing music or practicing mindfulness.
Consulting with a mental health specialist can equip you with customized techniques to navigate through panic attacks and diminish their likelihood in the future.
One in ten adults experiences a panic attack each year, with up to 35% of the population being affected at some point in their lives. While many individuals have only one or two panic attacks in their lifetime, and these may resolve when the triggering stressor subsides, it’s worth noting that panic attack symptoms can mimic those of serious health issues, including a heart attack. Please seek help from medical professionals when encountering these symptoms.
Symptoms of panic disorder often start in the late teens or early adulthood and affect more women than men. Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include family history, major life stress, a traumatic event, major changes in your life, smoking or excessive caffeine intake, and a history of abuse. Panic attacks, also referred to as anxiety attacks, may come on suddenly and without warning at first, but over time, they’re usually triggered by certain situations.
How Do You Treat Anxiety?
Medication Management
Our primary approach to treating anxiety involves the careful use of medication. We specialize in prescribing a range of pharmacological treatments, including SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), and other anti-anxiety medications. Our experienced psychiatrists tailor medication choices to each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatment, aiming to reduce anxiety levels and improve daily functioning.
Supportive Services
While our focus is on medication management, we also recognize the importance of additional supportive services in the treatment of anxiety. We may suggest resources such as counseling or therapy, which can be beneficial in developing coping strategies and understanding the underlying causes of anxiety. We also encourage participation in support groups for peer-based sharing and support.
Lifestyle Guidance
Managing anxiety often extends beyond medication to include lifestyle modifications. We provide advice on integrating regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and relaxation techniques into your routine, as these can have a significant positive impact on anxiety levels. Good sleep hygiene practices are also emphasized to improve sleep quality, which is often affected by anxiety.
Educational Resources
Common Medications for Anxiety
Your mental health is a valuable aspect of your overall well-being, and when it comes to medications, it’s essential to approach them with care.
The first step in this process is to consult with a qualified psychiatrist who can provide expert guidance. They will begin by conducting a thorough assessment to accurately diagnose your condition. Once the diagnosis is established, the psychiatrist will work closely with you to select the most appropriate medication based on your unique needs.
Medications for mental health are just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan. In addition to medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments may also play important roles in your recovery and well-being. The chosen medication will be carefully monitored for its effectiveness and any potential side effects, and your psychiatrist will make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Regular and open communication with your psychiatrist is paramount throughout this process. It allows for the fine-tuning of your medication regimen, tailored to your specific needs, and ultimately promoting optimal mental well-being while minimizing potential risks.
Remember, you’re not alone in your mental health journey, and seeking professional guidance is a positive step towards your overall health and happiness.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood regulation. SSRIs are considered a first-line treatment due to their effectiveness and generally favorable side effect profile. They are typically started at a low dose that your doctor gradually increases.
Examples of SSRIs used to treat anxiety include:
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are a class of medications used to treat anxiety and insomnia by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA has a calming effect, and benzodiazepines amplify this response, resulting in reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and sedation. Benzodiazepines help treat many kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Examples of these drugs include:
Buspirone
Buspirone is used to treat both short-term anxiety and chronic (long-lasting) anxiety disorders. It’s not fully understood how buspirone works, but it’s thought to affect chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.
Buspirone can take up to several weeks to become fully effective. It’s available as a generic drug as well as the brand-name drug BuSpar.
Our Commitment to Your Well-Being
Sadly, the stigma surrounding mental health often prevents individuals from seeking the help they truly deserve. But here’s the good news: our online psychiatry services provide a convenient way for you to connect with experienced psychiatrists without leaving the comfort of your own space.
We understand that societal stigma can create apprehension about visiting a doctor’s office, and by choosing Platinum Psychiatry, you have easy access to the support you need without judgment.
At Platinum Psychiatry, we address anxiety with a compassionate strategy that blends medication management, supportive services, lifestyle advice, and educational resources. Our objective is to assist every patient in finding tranquility and equilibrium in their lives.