Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities (such as work or school performance); the person finds it difficult to control the worry; the anxiety and worry are associated with three or more of the following symptoms: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep). In Generalized Anxiety Disorder the disturbance is not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition and does not occur exclusively during a mood disorder, a psychotic disorder, or a pervasive development disorder.

Please reach out for help if anxiety is affecting your daily routine. We have several treatments available for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Select Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may be used. SSRIs at higher dosages target Generalized Anxiety better than lower dosages. Research is showing that treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with antidepressants is on the rise for a good reason. They are very effective at treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There are other anti-anxiety medications such as Buspirone and Vistaril.

As needed medications are not front-line therapy. Psychotherapy is also an important treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Generalized Anxiety can affect all ages. Generalized Anxiety Disorder may be triggered by change, a role change, expectations, major life changing events, or can be insidious. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder often occur together.

Panic Disorder is another form of anxiety. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. To be diagnosed you must follow a certain criteria including experiencing recurrent panic attacks, have at least one panic attack followed by at least one month of persistent worry about having more panic attacks, have a maladaptive behavioral response to the panic attacks, such as avoiding situations that may trigger them, and have panic attacks that are not caused solely by a medical condition, a substance use, or another mental health condition.

Panic attacks are defined as a sudden period of intense fear or discomfort that typically peaks within 10 minutes and is accompanied by palpitations or racing heart, trembling and shaking, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or lightheadedness, chills or heat sensations, paresthesia such as numbness or tingling, or the fear of losing control or dying. Exposure therapy is a good way to treat panic disorder. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are other treatments for Panic Disorder. Agoraphobia often presents with Panic Disorder.



Agoraphobia is the fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment. We often classify panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Work closely with your provider anytime you are starting or stopping medications. Medication interactions need to be taken into consideration. Please do not abruptly start or stop psychiatric medications. Please always provide your mental health professional with a complete medication list. Keeping a diary of symptoms may also be helpful in diagnosing and treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder as well as Panic Disorder.

Medscape, DSM-5