Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common mental health concerns, affecting more than 19% of adults in the United States. If you’re constantly anxious or fearful, turn to Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts. Board-certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Broderick Logan, FNP, diagnoses and treats anxiety disorders to help you rediscover peace of mind. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are common mental health concerns characterized by ongoing fear, worry, and anxiousness. While everyone feels anxious now and then, anxiety disorders are ongoing and negatively impact your life, including your relationships, job, or school. Seeking treatment can ease your symptoms, allowing you to live life to its fullest.

What are the examples of anxiety disorders?

Numerous types of anxiety disorders exist, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD causes worry, fear, and simply being overwhelmed. It’s characterized by frequent, unrealistic worry and fear about everyday situations.

Social anxiety disorder

People with social anxiety disorder have a fear of being judged negatively by other people in social settings. They often feel anxious in social situations, particularly larger group gatherings.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder can lead to unexpected panic attacks, which may feel like you’re having a heart attack in certain situations or for unknown reasons.

Phobias

Phobias cause extreme fear when exposed to certain places, people, or things — such as elevators, high places (large bridges, airplanes, etc.), tight spaces, and more.

Selective mutism

People with selective mutism avoid speaking in certain situations because of anxiety or fear. For example, they might only speak in front of close friends or family members.

Separation anxiety disorder

Separation anxiety disorder causes anxiety during separation from a loved one, such as a caregiver. It’s more common in children, but adults may also experience separation anxiety disorder.

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

The cause of anxiety disorders isn’t entirely clear, but they're some of the most common mental health concerns. Your risk of anxiety may increase due to a family history of anxiety or depression, stress, brain changes, trauma, or other physical and mental health conditions.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders can cause the following symptoms:

• Fear, panic, dread, and uneasiness
• Obsessive, uncontrollable thoughts
• Irritability
• Feeling on edge
• Restlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Shortness of breath
• Heart palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Muscle tension
• Sweaty or cold hands
• Problems sleeping

Some of these symptoms might indicate other mental health concerns, as it’s possible to have more than one mental health disorder at the same time (particularly anxiety with depression).

How is anxiety diagnosed and treated?

Kathleen completes a psychiatric evaluation by asking about your medical history, emotions, thoughts, moods, and behaviors. She may suggest healthy lifestyle changes, such as stress management, diet and exercise modifications, vitamin injections, a regular sleep schedule, and refraining from consuming alcohol.

You might be a candidate for medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure therapy, or other forms of psychotherapy. Follow up with Kathleen to ensure a successful outcome and call the Broderick Healthcare office anytime with questions.

Ease ongoing worry and fear by scheduling an anxiety disorder evaluation at Broderick Healthcare by phone or requesting one online today.