What is Anxiety?

 

At its most basic, anxiety is a feeling of unease or emotional discomfort, often accompanied by physical changes such as muscle tension, elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, sweating, hyperventilation, or upset stomach. It can be associated with worry, fear of a particular situation (phobia), or uncomfortable or overwhelming emotions such as anger or sadness. Fundamentally, anxiety is the feeling of being unsafe. A certain level of anxiety is normal, and is actually necessary for survival. However, for some people this anxiety becomes more severe and begins to interfere with their normal day-to-day life.

What Are Some Common Signs and Symptoms?

Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders characterized by excessive anxiety in various situations, and often benefit from treatment. They are often characterized by the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Difficult concentrating or mind going blank
• Excessive worry
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Panic attacks: short-lived but extremely intense anxiety attacks often associated with a sense of impending doom or fear of dying as well as various physical symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety Treatment Options

Anxiety disorders are very treatable, and there are multiple different options depending on the nature of the anxiety and the patient’s specific needs and goals. All treatments for anxiety should begin with trying to restore a sense of safety. We offer the following options for anxiety treatment in addition to others:

Medication Management

There are several different types of medications that are used to relieve the symptoms of anxiety disorders, including antidepressants and sedatives. Additionally, mood stabilizers and some of the newer antipsychotics have been shown to be very helpful, and blood pressure medications can sometimes help to manage the physical symptoms of the anxiety. IV ketamine infusions can also be very helpful in restoring a sense of safety, especially for trauma patients.

Consistent Therapy

For many people, regularly seeing a talk therapist for anxiety is extremely effective. Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety (CBT-A) works toward the goal of decreasing anxiety symptoms by identifying and challenging the automatic thoughts and core beliefs that underly your anxiety, while other types of therapy work to address the fundamental sense of safety or lack there-of.

Our Approach to Treating Anxiety

At Chrysalis Psychiatry, we believe that all healing ultimately begins with feeling safe, and so we strive to offer a safe space for those suffering from anxiety. We work with patients of all ages to assess their needs and goals and choose the best treatment options for their anxiety. From TMS therapy for anxiety to a regular routine of medication, we can tailor a treatment plan that meets your needs. If we do not offer the treatment that you need, then we will work with you to find somewhere that does. Call Chrysalis Psychiatry at 505-503-6300 to make an appointment for anxiety treatment in Albuquerque, or fill out our contact form, and we will reach out to you as soon as possible.