Psychiatric Treatment for Anxiety
Many individuals encounter occasional bouts of anxiety, a natural response to various tasks and situations. However, if anxiety becomes a frequent companion in your daily life, it might be indicative of an anxiety disorder requiring attention.
At My Psychiatrist, our team of board-certified psychiatrists and nurse practitioners specializes in diagnosing anxiety disorders. With personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, we aim to empower you in managing and alleviating your symptoms effectively.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of worry or fear that interfere with your daily life. Some common types of anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Attacks/Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
How is Anxiety Diagnosed?
As most other mental health conditions, anxiety can be diagnosed by both a doctor and a mental health specialist. It is common for someone who is experiencing symptoms of anxiety to reach out to either their doctor or mental health specialist to inquire about their symptoms — even if they do not know why they are feeling the way they are. Some people present with extreme concerns over their health, while others present with significant feelings of being overwhelmed and worried. Either way, the process of diagnosing anxiety remains the same.
A medical or mental health specialist will provide a person with a psychological evaluation to start. This will include asking questions about one’s feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Gathering as much mental health history about the individual is also a step that a professional will take during the diagnostic process. Professionals will also refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5) to review criteria to determine if anxiety is occurring or not. To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, individuals must experience:
- Excessive worry for more days than not for a full six months
- Difficulty controlling their worries
- Worries that are associated with three or more of the following symptoms:
- Restlessness, feeling on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
Based on the results that a doctor or mental health specialist obtains from the patient, they can better determine the severity of the anxiety disorder. This allows for them to begin developing a proper treatment plan for the patient.
Medications
There are a number of types of anxiety disorders, meaning that there are a variety of different medications that can be used to treat them. The most common types of anxiety medications include the following:
- SSRI’s – Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft
- SNRI’s – Pristiq, Effexor, Cymbalta
- Benzodiazepines – Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin
- Anticonvulsants – pregabalin, gabapentin
The type and dose of these medications will be based on factors such as what kind of anxiety disorder the patient has, what his/her physical health status is, and the severity of their disorder, among other things.
Therapies
The many symptoms of anxiety that individuals feel on a daily basis can be minimized through the application of evidence-based therapies. Through therapy, individuals can learn how to change negative behavioral and thought patterns, develop a strong sense of self-awareness, and establish skills that allow them to cope with their anxiety in a healthy way. Some of the therapies that are most often used to treat anxiety disorders include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual psychotherapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Exposure therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
These therapies have proven to be highly effective in reducing the presence of anxiety symptoms, allowing individuals to live happier, healthier lives.
Living and Coping With Anxiety
Anxiety, as mentioned before, is a mental health condition that can be treated. When the appropriate treatment is obtained, it can be much easier to live and cope with anxiety. But, arguably the most important part of trying to live a healthy life while living with anxiety is prioritizing one’s own self-care and wellbeing.
Self-care is often misconstrued as going for a spa day, taking oneself shopping, etc. But, self-care is a daily action that needs to be taken in order to keep anxiety symptoms at bay. So, in order to live with and cope with anxiety, self-care is an absolute must. Examples of good self-care practices for someone with anxiety can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Making time for leisurely activities
The goal of self-care is to incorporate daily self-care actions into one’s life. Maintaining focus on one’s wellbeing allows individuals to prioritize their needs while still being able to carry out their regular daily functions. Those with anxiety often neglect their own needs, adding to the severity of their symptoms. But, by making this move to put themselves first, they can live with and cope with anxiety in an effective manner.
How to Know When to See a Psychiatrist for Anxiety
If you are concerned that you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, reaching out to a psychiatrist is the first thing you should do. Anxiety is a complicated mental health condition, and attempting to manage it on your own can prove disastrous. If you are unsure if you or a loved one is experiencing an anxiety disorder, consider the following symptoms that may denote if you have anxiety or not:
- Excessive, uncontrollable worries
- Intrusive thoughts and concerns
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in eating habits
- Having panic attacks
- Feeling unable to control fears
- Problems focusing
- Problems carrying out regular, daily activities
Anxiety disorders can quickly grow to be out of hand. That is why seeking professional treatment is absolutely necessary if you or a loved one feel that anxiety is impacting your daily lives. If you are thinking, “where is there a psychiatrist near me for anxiety?”, look no further. Contact My Psychiatrist right now.
Our Anxiety Disorder Mental Health Services
When you reach out to My Psychiatrist for anxiety disorder treatment, we’ll begin by performing a psychological evaluation. This evaluation will include questions about your thoughts, feelings, behaviors and mental health history.
Based on your diagnosis, our specialists will develop the appropriate treatment plan for your needs. Most anxiety treatment plans involve a combination of medication and therapy.
We offer two types of anxiety disorder services — choose the one works best for you.
In-Person Treatment
My Psychiatrist provides outpatient anxiety psychiatric treatment in South Florida. We have offices in Oakland Park, South Miami and Hollywood, so it’s easy to find a location near you.
Choosing our outpatient services gives you the chance to connect with your doctor face-to-face. Some patients find in-person appointments help them focus better, as being in an office eliminates the distractions they might experience at home.
Telemedicine for Anxiety
We also offer mental health care for anxiety online. Our telemedicine services allow you to receive live, virtual therapy sessions with your psychiatrist from the comforts of your home. Telemedicine services are as effective as in-person services, and they are a convenient option that can save you time and money.
Schedule Your Appointment Online Today
Whether you need a psychiatrist for anxiety attacks or OCD, the team at My Psychiatrist can help. Book an appointment today and take the first step towards getting the mental health services you need.
Talk to someone whenever you need.
Our team of board-certified psychiatrists and therapists are here for you when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, down, or just not like yourself.
