Anxiety

Anxiety services offered in Doylestown and King Of Prussia, PA

Before the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a rise in mental health problems, anxiety was already a major concern that affected 9% of children and 31% of teens and adults. The good news is that people of all ages can overcome anxiety with treatment from Eileen Peirce, RN-BSN, PMHNP-CRNP, and the team at P.S. Psychiatry in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. If you or your child struggle with anxiety, call the office or request an in-person or telehealth appointment through the online booking feature.

Anxiety Q&A

When should I seek help for anxiety?

Anxiety affects everyone because it’s the natural worry you feel when you face or anticipate a difficult or dangerous situation. This natural dread becomes a mental health concern when your anxiety:

Occurs frequently
Becomes overwhelming
Makes you change your routine to avoid anxiety-provoking situations
Appears even when you don’t face or anticipate a challenging situation

It’s time to seek help for anxiety when you struggle with any of these issues.

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

There are at least eight anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD causes frequent anxiety over daily issues, like family problems, illnesses, and life challenges.

Social anxiety disorder

If you have social anxiety disorder, you feel intense anxiety when you go to a social event, meet new people, or have to perform (like giving a presentation at school or work).

Separation anxiety disorder

Though separation anxiety disorder is associated with children, it can affect people of all ages. This anxiety occurs because you fear something terrible will happen to you or your family members if you’re apart.

Specific phobias

Phobias cause extreme fear of an activity or object, such as a fear of flying or spiders.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder causes frequent panic attacks. The attacks occur without a clear danger or something to trigger the anxiety.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Along with the symptoms associated with each anxiety disorder, you may experience:

Excessive worry
Insomnia
Irritability
Fatigue
Restlessness
Nausea
Headaches
Muscle aches
Racing thoughts
Difficulty concentrating

Panic attacks cause dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and sweating.

How is anxiety treated?

Anxiety disorders are treated with medication, therapy, or in many cases, both. Your P.S. Psychiatry provider may recommend one of several medications, depending on the type and severity of your anxiety. They also offer genetic testing to identify the medications that will work best for you.

For example, people with severe anxiety or panic disorder often need potent anti-anxiety medications. Those with less severe anxiety may get symptom relief from antidepressants, which also ease anxiety.

Different therapies help with anxiety, but one proven technique, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), helps you turn the tables on anxiety by teaching skills you can use to overcome anxiety rather than anxiety overwhelming you.

If you struggle with anxiety, call P.S. Psychiatry or use online booking to request an in-person or telehealth appointment today.