Anxiety is common, but it can interfere with a person’s quality of life when it becomes chronic. In some cases, this condition can be completely debilitating. Michelle Zyla, APRN, PMHNP-BC, cares for patients with anxiety disorders and provides compassionate and effective treatment to help them manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. Contact Minds In Balance Psychiatry in Peoria, Arizona, to schedule an appointment or request one online. Telehealth services are also an available option.
request an appointmentWhat is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of intense or excessive worry. This worry may focus on a specific situation, fear, or general uneasiness.
Everyone experiences anxiety at some time during their lives. However, when anxiety is severe and persistent, it becomes a disorder. There are several different anxiety disorders:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias
Some patients may experience more than one anxiety disorder.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder. Risk factors can include:
- Having certain medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or thyroid disease
- History of trauma
- Significant exposure to stress
- Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
- Certain personality types
Other mental health conditions, such as ADHD or depression, might increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder.
What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?
Different types of anxiety disorders may cause different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of these disorders include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Continuous worry
- Avoiding things that trigger feelings of anxiety
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling tired or weak
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feelings of impending doom
- Increase heart rate
- Rapid breathing
People with anxiety often experience symptoms in the form of an attack, like an anxiety attack or panic attack. However, symptoms can also be continuous.
How do you diagnose anxiety?
At Minds In Balance Psychiatry, your provider, Michelle, diagnoses anxiety based on the results of a physical exam and a psychiatric evaluation. You’ll receive the formal diagnosis of an anxiety disorder if you meet the criteria outlined.
What treatments are available for anxiety?
Most patients with anxiety disorders benefit from psychotherapy. This therapy aims to help patients understand anxiety and control symptoms. The most effective form of psychotherapy for patients with anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on teaching you to respond differently to anxiety triggers.
In some cases, Michelle may also recommend medication to patients who experience anxiety. Medications used for anxiety typically include sedatives and antidepressants. You may take these medications daily, or you may take them only as needed.
If you or a loved one has anxiety and needs treatment, don’t delay. Call Minds In Balance Psychiatry to schedule an appointment or request one online today.