Our U.S. licensed medical providers can help devise a personalized treatment plan that includes FDA approved prescription treatments which may include commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline, fluoxetine, or escitalopram
- Buspirone
- Hydroxyzine (Atarax and Vistaril)
- Beta-blockers
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
What to expect during an telehealth visit for anxiety:
- Evaluate your symptoms to determine the best treatment plan for you, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
- Let you know if you’re eligible to receive a same-day prescription. However, your doctor will meet with you to determine if additional testing is needed.
- Recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress if needed.
- Refer you to mental health professionals in your area for ongoing support.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress or perceived danger, known as the “fight-or-flight” response. However, when this response becomes chronic or is triggered without any real threat, it can interfere with work, school, relationships, and overall health.
An anxiety disorder involves more than temporary worry or fear. It doesn’t go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can be both emotional and physical, and they can vary widely from person to person.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
People with anxiety often experience a mix of the following symptoms:
Physical Symptoms:
- Fast heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Sweating, trembling, or shaking
- Muscle tension or aches
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea
- Headaches
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms:
- Excessive worry or fear that’s hard to control
- Feelings of restlessness or being “on edge”
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Irritability or frustration
- A sense of impending doom or danger
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance of certain places, people, or situations
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Repetitive reassurance seeking
- Trouble performing daily activities
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each with unique features. Common types include:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characterized by ongoing, excessive worry about many things—health, finances, family, work—even when there’s no specific reason. This worry occurs on most days for six months or longer.
2. Panic Disorder
Involves sudden and repeated episodes of intense fear (panic attacks) that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, and a fear of losing control or dying. Panic attacks can occur without warning.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Involves intense fear of being embarrassed, judged, or rejected in social or performance situations. People may avoid public speaking, eating in front of others, or attending social events.
4. Specific Phobias
Involve an intense and irrational fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, flying, animals, or receiving injections. The fear is out of proportion to the actual danger.
5. Agoraphobia
Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, or help might not be available. This can lead to avoidance of public places like shopping centers, public transportation, or even leaving home.
6. Separation Anxiety Disorder
While common in children, it can affect adults too. It involves excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures.
7. Selective Mutism (mostly in children)
A complex anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, despite being able to speak in others.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are believed to result from a combination of factors:
- Genetics: Family history can increase your risk.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine) may play a role.
- Personality: Some personality traits, such as shyness or perfectionism, may make people more prone to anxiety.
- Life experiences: Trauma, abuse, chronic stress, or major life changes (like loss or illness) can trigger anxiety.
- Health conditions: Some medical problems (e.g., heart arrhythmias, thyroid issues) or medications can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.
How Is Anxiety Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on:
- A detailed history of symptoms
- A physical exam to rule out medical causes
- Psychological questionnaires or interviews
To be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, symptoms must significantly impair daily functioning and persist for at least several weeks or months, depending on the specific disorder.
Treatment Options
Anxiety is treatable. Many people benefit from one or a combination of the following treatments:
1. Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The most well-established, effective therapy for anxiety. It helps patients understand how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors and teaches strategies to reduce anxiety.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared situations in a controlled way to reduce avoidance and fear.
2. Medications
- SSRIs and SNRIs: These antidepressants are commonly prescribed and well-tolerated.
- Benzodiazepines: Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications, but they carry a risk of dependence and are typically used short-term.
- Beta-blockers and buspirone: Other medications may help with specific symptoms or situations.
Always consult with a healthcare provider to find the best medication and dosage, and to monitor for side effects.
3. Lifestyle and Self-Care
- Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces stress hormones and increases endorphins.
- Sleep: Good sleep hygiene improves emotional regulation.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet with reduced caffeine and alcohol intake can help.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and mindfulness meditation.
- Support networks: Talking with trusted friends, joining a support group, or seeking counseling.
When to Seek Help
You should consider seeking professional help if:
- You worry excessively most days and it affects your quality of life
- You avoid situations because of fear or anxiety
- You experience panic attacks or feel “on edge” frequently
- Your physical symptoms (like insomnia, rapid heartbeat, or GI upset) don’t have a clear medical explanation
- Your symptoms are worsening over time
Early intervention can prevent anxiety from becoming more severe and improve your chances of successful treatment.
Emergency Situations
If anxiety leads to thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek emergency medical help or call 911 immediately. Mental health crises are medical emergencies and should be treated as such.
Trusted Resources
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is common and treatable. Whether you’re experiencing occasional anxiety or living with a chronic anxiety disorder, you are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible. Talk to your healthcare provider today to explore your options and take the first step toward feeling better.
