Anxiety

What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes feelings of nervousness, fear, or worry. These feelings are typically persistent, overwhelming, and difficult to control. 

There are several kinds of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder: excessive anxiety without an apparent cause
  
• Social anxiety disorder: overwhelming self-consciousness in everyday social circumstances
• Panic disorder: terror and panic attacks that cause physical symptoms that arise without an apparent reason
• Specific phobias: intense fear of a particular object or situation, such as insects or flying in a plane

Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily activities, work, and interpersonal relationships. They can also have an impact on your physical health. If you experience overwhelming anxiety, it’s a good idea to see a qualified mental health professional for an evaluation. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Different types of anxiety disorders present with various symptoms. However, some anxiety symptoms are common to most types of anxiety disorders, such as:

• Excessive, constant worry, nervousness, or fear
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Difficulty remaining calm
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased heart rate
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, weakness, or trembling
• Digestive problems

The compassionate providers at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates have experience treating all types of anxiety disorders. 

How is anxiety treated?

To identify the type of disorder that is causing your anxiety symptoms, your expert at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates performs a comprehensive evaluation and carefully reviews your health history. They may also order lab tests to identify the root cause of your anxiety. 

When your evaluation is complete, your provider designs a custom treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Depending on the type and severity of your anxiety disorder, your personalized treatment plan may include:

• Psychotherapy or counseling
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Anti-anxiety and/or antidepressant medications
• Nutritional and lifestyle changes

With time and treatment, you can overcome anxiety and restore your ability to enjoy activities and social interactions.

If nervousness, panic, or phobias are having an impact on your quality of life, don’t hesitate to schedule an evaluation with a caring provider at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates. Call the office today or make an appointment online.