Anxiety is a common struggle that millions of people face today. It is not just about feeling nervous; it can affect your overall health and well-being. Whether it is racing thoughts or physical symptoms like a pounding heart, anxiety can be overwhelming. It is important to understand anxiety, find effective anxiety treatment, and know where to seek help.
In this blog, we will explore different types of anxiety disorders, effective treatments, and how family medicine providers can play a vital role in managing anxiety.
What are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are more than just fleeting worry or fear – they are serious mental health conditions that can significantly impact daily life. Unlike the occasional stress that comes and goes, anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive fear or worry in situations that aren’t life-threatening.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
- Relentless restlessness
- Uncontrollable feelings of worry
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards seeking understanding and care, paving the way for a healthier, calmer lifestyle.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are not one-size-fits-all. They come in various forms, each with unique symptoms and challenges.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
This involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work or health, even when there is no apparent reason for concern.
Social Anxiety Disorder
This is the fear of social situations where you may be judged or embarrassed. It can make everyday interactions feel incredibly stressful.
Panic Disorder
Involves sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness.
Phobias
These are intense fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights or flying, that can lead to avoidance behavior.
Understanding these different types can help individuals identify their symptoms and seek appropriate help.
Effective Anxiety Treatments
Treating anxiety effectively requires a combination of approaches. Two popular methods are cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxiety. It helps individuals identify triggers for their anxiety and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Many people find it empowering, because it provides tools to manage anxiety proactively.
Medications
Medications can be an important part of helping people with anxiety disorders feel better. They reduce symptoms and work well with therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Here are some common types of medications used:
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
These are often the first drugs given to treat anxiety. SSRIs, like Sertraline (Zoloft) and Fluoxetine (Prozac), help by increasing serotonin in the brain, a chemical that helps control mood and anxiety. They are effective and usually have less severe side effects.
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
Like SSRIs, SNRIs such as Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta) help regulate mood by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine. They are helpful for people who don’t respond well to SSRIs.
Benzodiazepines
These are very effective for quickly reducing anxiety symptoms. Medicines like Lorazepam (Ativan) and Alprazolam (Xanax) are used for short-term relief before flying or a procedure like an MRI. They work by boosting a brain chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) that makes you feel calm.
Buspirone
This is an alternative to SSRIs and benzodiazepines. It eases anxiety without the risk of addiction. It works by affecting brain chemicals like serotonin, and its effects build up gradually.
Can a Family Medicine Provider or Practitioner Help Find the Best Anxiety Treatment for You?
Family medicine providers play a vital role in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders. They can help by listening to your symptoms and concerns and performing a physical exam to rule out underlying causes of anxiety, such as thyroid issues or heart problems. They can also prescribe anxiety medications if needed and monitor their effectiveness.
To find the most effective anxiety treatment medication, family medicine providers recommend GeneSight® testing. This testing helps providers find the right medicine for their anxiety by looking at their genes.
It shows how different medicines might work for them and which ones might have fewer side effects. This way, providers can choose medications more likely to help without as much trial and error.
GeneSight® testing makes it easier and faster to start feeling better, creating trust and hope between patients and their providers.
Anxiety Treatment in El Paso County, CO
At Abundance Health Care, we understand that dealing with anxiety can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our compassionate provider, Dr. Bruner-Hill, will perform a comprehensive assessment, perform GeneSight® testing, and recommend the most effective anxiety treatment.
If you would like to learn more about our mental health services or want to schedule an appointment with our family medicine provider, call today at (720) 869-0547 or request an appointment using our online form. We look forward to serving you!
