Almost 20% of American adults have an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental illness in the country. Yet, less than half (36.9%) of people with anxiety disorders get treatment. Part of the reason may be that worrying is a normal part of life, which can make it hard to recognize when you may need treatment.
Anxiety is very treatable, and the providers at Apex Medical Center are knowledgeable and experienced in diagnosing and treating people who have mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders
Much like stress, some level of anxiety isn’t a bad thing. If, for example, you’re up for a promotion at work, and you’re anxious about it, you’re likely to be thorough in your work and prepare for an interview—which could ultimately lead to you getting the promotion.
But, when anxiety isn’t a once-in-a-while occurrence or when it hampers your ability to complete your normal daily activities, you may want to talk to your doctor about your anxiety. Here are some of the symptoms you may experience if you have an anxiety disorder:
Essentially, if your worries prevent you from working, attending school, enjoying activities with family or friends, or fulfilling other day-to-day obligations and pleasures, treatment may help.
Several types of anxiety disorders exist. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and different phobia-related disorders can all disrupt your life and can all be effectively treated.
Generalized anxiety disorder is worrying about activities and events, but the worry is out of proportion. You may feel like you can’t control your worry, and it may even make you feel physically sick.
Panic disorder brings about episodes of sudden, very intense fear or even terror. You may feel a sense of doom, your heart rate may be very fast, and you may feel short of breath. These episodes are panic attacks, and you may find yourself worrying about avoiding a panic attack even when you’re not.
Social anxiety can cause you to avoid social situations because they make you feel embarrassed or worried about being judged.
These and other types of anxiety disorders can be treated with evidence-based approaches.
Psychotherapy offers a few different treatment options, including talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is often an effective treatment. During CBT, you learn skills for dealing with anxiety and begin returning to activities you may have been avoiding due to anxiety.
Medications are another treatment option. Some antidepressants also treat anxiety. Other medications may also be prescribed, depending on many different factors.
You may benefit from a combination of treatment approaches. Getting help from a qualified and knowledgeable professional, such as the providers at all three locations of Apex Medical Center, is the best way to find out whether your worry is normal or if you may need treatment for an anxiety disorder. Schedule your appointment today.
