Anxiety

Serving the Jacksonville, FL area

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Anxiety can be absolutely crippling. It can consume your everyday activities and prevent you from living your life to the fullest. At Insight Psychiatry & Counseling we offer exceptional anxiety treatment to our patients. Whether seeking care personally or for a family member, we can help you find the right medication and coping mechanisms to help you manage your anxiety. Because medication may not always be the only answer- our treatment for anxiety includes a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle tools to promote overall well-being. You will have someone in your corner every step of the way.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is the natural fear or dread that occurs when facing a dangerous or stressful situation. You can also develop anxiety that occurs frequently and seldom goes away, even when you aren’t confronting a known threat or challenge. Do you feel worried, overwhelmed, and on edge most of the time? This is the most common form of anxiety and is referred to as – generalized anxiety.

Are there different types of anxiety?

Yes, there are eight primary anxiety disorders. The five most common include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD causes excessive anxiety over everyday issues, such as your job, health, and family.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder causes dread when you must attend a social activity, meet people, or perform in front of others (like giving a report at school or work). People who suffer from social anxiety have a dreading fear of scrutiny or judgment from others.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety affects children, teens, and adults. It often arises from the fear that something bad will happen to you or your family while you’re apart.

Specific phobias

A phobia is an intense fear of a specific animal, object, or activity, such as a fear of spiders or public speaking.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder occurs if you have frequent panic attacks. Panic attacks cause extreme physical symptoms that occur suddenly without an obvious trigger. When someone has several panic attacks in a month and and avoids public situations or places to avoid having a panic attack- they may be suffering from a panic disorder.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Teens and adults have similar physical signs of anxiety, including:

Racing or pounding heart
Hot flashes
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Muscle aches or pain
Trembling
Sweating
Insomnia
Headaches or migraines
Upset stomach, diarrhea, or frequent urination

If you experience these symptoms suddenly or in short bursts, you may be suffering from panic attacks. Emotional signs of anxiety can include:

Persistent worry or dread
Overthinking
Tenseness
Restlessness
Irritability
Believing a situation is dangerous when it isn’t
Trouble sleeping
Issues focusing

What are my anxiety treatment options?

Insight Psychiatry performs a thorough diagnostic assessment before collaborating on a holistic treatment plan.

|MEDICATIONS|

Antidepressants like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and selective SRIs (SSRIs) improve mood, and anxiety. Popular options include Lexapro®, Zoloft®, and Prozac®. Already tried these with no succes? Don’t worry. Every patient is different genetically and may respond differently to medications. There are several other options to consider in your treatment plan. Let your provider know your medication history at your diagnostic assessment to prevent reinventing the wheel.

Benzodiazepines, like Xanax® and Valium,® are helpful but can be habit-forming, so your provider may only prescribe them for short-term relief while you develop a longterm plan. It may be referred to as a “rescue medication”.

|PSYCHOTHERAPY|

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you understand your anxiety triggers and manage situations, relationships, or specific challenges.

Your provider may encourage self-soothing tools like meditation and breathing exercises, improved diet and exercise, and support groups. Together, the two of you will develop a holistic plan to help improve your life and manage your anxiety.