Anxiety Specialist

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health challenge in which you experience ongoing worry or fear in situations that don’t bother many other people. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a similar condition in which obsessions and compulsions interfere with your everyday life.

What are common symptoms of anxiety?

Symptoms commonly associated with anxiety include:

• Sweating
• Trembling
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Tension 
• Sense of doom or danger
• Increased heart rate
• Hyperventilation
• Tiredness or weakness
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Physical aches and pain
• Muscle tension

You might have strong urges to avoid situations that trigger anxious feelings or have difficulty controlling worry. Untreated anxiety can cause depression, substance misuse, sleep disorders, or other complications. 

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

Anxiety is common and can happen to anyone, but things that increase your risk of having it include:

• Family history of anxiety
• Certain personality traits
• Having a medical condition
• Past trauma
• Ongoing stress 
• Depression 
• Drug or alcohol misuse

Adopting healthy habits and reducing stress may reduce your risk of anxiety, but you can’t always prevent it. If you struggle with anxiety symptoms, getting treatment is essential.

How does my doctor diagnose anxiety?

To diagnose anxiety, OCD, or other mental health challenges, Dr. Phillips discusses your medical history and symptoms with you. She completes a comprehensive psychiatric assessment by asking you a series of questions before developing a personalized treatment plan.

What are the treatments for anxiety? 

Common anxiety treatments available via telehealth at PhillWell include lifestyle counseling, medications (including ketamine therapy), and psychotherapy. Dr. Phillips teaches you ways to cope with anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles. She could combine medication with counseling or other treatments to ensure the best results.

Get regular exercise and plenty of sleep, keep stress levels low, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug use. Maintain a strong social support network at home to help you get through challenging situations, and call Dr. Phillips any time you struggle or have questions about your treatment.

To get treated for anxiety, reduce unpleasant symptoms, and live your best life, call the PhillWell office, or schedule a telehealth appointment online today.