Anxiety
Anxiety
Life presents challenges that can feel overwhelming when anxiety takes hold. Those living with anxiety may experience persistent worry, fear, and physical symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Anxiety can impact your relationships, career, and overall quality of life. While occasional nervousness is normal, anxiety disorders involve intense, prolonged distress that doesn't simply fade away. If you're experiencing excessive worry, panic attacks, or avoidance behaviors, please discuss your symptoms with our qualified clinicians.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting approximately 40 million adults in the United States. Unlike temporary stress, anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive fear or worry in situations that aren’t actually threatening. While it is often first noticed in childhood or adolescence, anxiety can develop at any age and persist throughout adulthood.
Many people with anxiety disorders are aware their fears are irrational but feel powerless to stop them. Anxiety affects both mental and physical health, causing symptoms that can significantly diminish quality of life without proper treatment.
Anxiety Symptoms In Adolescents
Recognizing anxiety in adolescents requires attention to behavioral and emotional changes, as teens may express anxiety differently than adults. Parents and educators should look for the following if they suspect anxiety. Their home and school environment should be observed.
Emotional symptoms:
- Excessive worry about school performance
- Fear of social situations or being judged
- Avoiding tasks that trigger nervousness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty separating from parents
- Persistent feelings of dread
- Perfectionism and fear of failure
- Negative self-talk
Physical and behavioral symptoms:
- Negative self-talk
- Avoidance of school or social activities
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Difficulty concentrating in class
- Seeking constant reassurance
- Panic attacks
- Changes in eating habits
- Withdrawal from friends
Signs And Symptoms In Adults
Anxiety is diagnosed in adults when symptoms persist for six months or more and interfere with daily functioning. Diagnosis of anxiety in adults can be complex because other conditions, such as depression or thyroid disorders, cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms of Psychological:
- Persistent, excessive worry
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty controlling anxious feelings
- Sense of impending doom
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Feeling on edge
- Mind going blank
- Catastrophic thinking
Symptoms of Physical:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Trembling or shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea or digestive issues
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
Our Treatment Approach for Anxiety
What Causes Anxiety
The exact cause is multifactorial. Genetics plays a significant role in determining if a person will develop an anxiety disorder.
Other risk factors include:
- Identify anxFamily history of anxiety or mental health conditionsious thoughts and worry patterns
- Traumatic life experiences
- Chronic medical conditions
- Substance use or withdrawal
- High-stress environments
How Is Anxiety Treated
There is no single cure for anxiety; however, therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Studies have shown that the majority of individuals experience substantial improvement with proper treatment.
Treatment options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure therapy
Medication Management
For some individuals, medication can be an effective component of anxiety treatment. Our psychiatric providers conduct thorough evaluations to determine if medication may be beneficial for your specific situation. We take time to discuss all treatment options, potential benefits, and what to expect. Regular follow-ups ensure your treatment remains effective and responsive to changes in your life. It is important to consult a mental health provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is highly effective for anxiety, helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. Adults can benefit from learning coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and gradual exposure to feared situations.
Areas of focus include:
- Cognitive restructuring
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Gradual exposure to triggers
- Development of coping mechanisms
- Stress management skills
Lifestyle Changes
- Establishing a consistent daily routine
- Exercise regularly 3–4 times weekly
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
- Maintaining healthy sleep habits
- Building a strong support network
Find Help With Your Anxiety At
We offer comprehensive treatment plans for people with anxiety disorders. Depending on the client’s needs, this may include medication management and supportive therapy.
Coded Healthcare also offers telepsychiatry as an option for patients who opt for the convenience of their homes. Being unable to come into the office should not prohibit anyone from receiving anxiety management services. We will tailor a treatment plan to fit your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Question
What should I do if I or a loved one think they have anxiety?
Contact a mental health provider or your primary care provider to discuss your symptoms. Anxiety can mimic other medical and psychiatric conditions.
What types of anxiety disorders do you treat?
We treat generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, specific phobias, and anxiety related to other conditions.
How is anxiety diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation including symptom assessment, medical history review, and sometimes psychological testing to rule out other conditions.
How can Coded Healthcare help with my anxiety symptoms?
Our clinicians provide personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management, and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your needs.