Anxiety Disorders

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that everyone experiences on a regular basis. It might be the worry felt when waiting for a test result, nerves before an interview, or butterflies before giving a speech. 

If your anxiety is constant or gets worse over time to the point that interferes in daily life, that is not normal anxiety, but rather, it may be an anxiety disorder.

What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders may cause symptoms such as:

• Uneasiness, restlessness, or fear
• Sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Panic attacks
• Nightmares
• Poor concentration
• Feeling out of control
• Poor concentration
• Obsessions and/or ritualized behaviors
• Unwanted thoughts
• Flashbacks
• Fear of social or performance situations
• Fear of specific objects or situations

Along with psychological symptoms, people who have anxiety disorders may suffer from physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, sweating, nausea, or dizziness.

What types of anxiety disorders are there?

There are several different types of anxiety disorders. The most common types are:

• Generalized anxiety disorder 
• OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Phobias

How is anxiety treated?

Treatment for anxiety may involve using medication, psychotherapy, or both.  Several classes of medication can be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders.  Your physician at Carolina Wellness Psychiatry, PLLC will complete a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and discuss if medication treatment is appropriate to reduce symptoms.  

Several psychotherapy modalities have also been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders.  As part of your comprehensive assessment, your physician at Carolina Wellness Psychiatry, PLLC will discuss specific psychotherapeutic options to minimize your anxiety symptoms.

If feelings of anxiety are starting to impact your quality of life, call Carolina Wellness Psychiatry, PLLC, today, or book an appointment online.