Feeling anxious from time to time is normal and should subside over time. Nonetheless, if you are constantly afraid and worried, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health concerns, impacting approximately one-third of adults and adolescents. Led by P. Winfield, MD, the skilled staff at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC provide holistic, integrative treatments to help patients with anxiety in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts. To get rid of your crippling anxiety, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What Is the Meaning of Anxiety?

Anxiety is an acceptable reaction to stressful situations such as first dates, interviews, or getting to know new people. You may experience anxiety daily without it being a concern. However, if you are constantly nervous and fearful; thus, affecting your ability to live a fulfilling, happy life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

What Exactly Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders can manifest themselves in various ways, but they all share a common symptom of being terrified or anxious to the point of being incapacitated. Although the causes of anxiety disorders in certain persons are not always evident, excessive stress and hereditary susceptibility are both triggers.

Some common forms of anxiety disorders include:

v  Panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder

The most prevalent form of anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, makes you worry about practically everything in your life. This ranges from simple tasks like preparing coffee to developments elsewhere that are completely beyond your control.

Generalized anxiety disorder makes it difficult to concentrate on the important things in life, hurting your work performance and relationships with friends and family. Panic disorder is quite akin to generalized anxiety disorder in that it induces panic attacks that leave you paralyzed, afraid, and powerless to act.

v  Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and phobias

OCD creates anxiety due to obsessive ideas and thoughts and the repetitive rituals that must be performed to overcome the obsessions. Phobias are excessive dread of specific items or circumstances out of scale to the risk posed by the phobia’s subject.

v  PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

PTSD is an anxiety condition characterized by intense flashbacks and dreams of a traumatic experience, as well as substance abuse, depression, and other mental health issues.

What Is the Treatment for Anxiety?

Your specialist at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates provides an extensive assessment and carefully evaluates your health records to determine the sort of disorder that is triggering your anxiety symptoms. They might also conduct lab testing to figure out what’s causing your anxiety.

Following the conclusion of your assessment, your specialist will create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific requirements. Based on the kind and degree of your anxiety disorder, your tailored care plan might include one or more of the following:

o   Counseling or psychotherapy

o   CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy)

o   Antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs

o   Exposure therapy

o   Lifestyle and dietary adjustments

With time and therapy, you may conquer anxiety and regain your ability to enjoy your hobbies and interpersonal relationships.

If your anxiety is overwhelming your everyday life, contact Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates. To arrange an appointment with a caring clinician, call or request online right away.