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Anxiety Treatment
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Anxiety Treatment in Fort Worth, TX
Anxiety is a perfectly healthy emotion that fixates our focus and primes the body to quickly react to stressful situations. From public speaking to a job interview, everyday situations often induce commonplace anxiety in most individuals. This is normal.
However, anxiety becoming an excessive, persistent, and pervasive force in your life – that prevents you from enjoying your day or focusing on tasks – may signal an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent type of mental health disorder in the United States, impacting over 40 million adults. These disorders can disrupt daily activity, but the good news is that mental health treatment programs have helped millions to manage or completely overcome them.
If you are seeking anxiety treatment in Fort Worth, TX, our credentialed primary care experts offer individualized services for those with anxiety and mood disorders.
At Be Well Primary Care, we understand the complexities of anxiety disorders and provide specialized care for those needing anxiety treatment in Fort Worth.
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What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders involve excessive worrying, even in non-threatening situations. They can be broad and generalized, or highly specific. Some types of anxiety disorders and corresponding symptoms include:
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This is characterized by persistent and extreme worry about health, finances, family, relationships, or work – leading to significant distress or impairment.
Panic Attack: This involves a sudden surge of intense fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Panic Disorder: This occurs when you have recurring, unexpected panic attacks, leading you to constantly fear another attack, or even change your behavior to avoid situations associated with panic attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder: This disorder is marked by a severe fear of social situations, to the extent that you may avoid them or even experience panic attacks when such situations are unavoidable.
Phobia is a fear of a specific object or situation that becomes problematic, hindering you from engaging in regular activities and causing distress or impairment.
The interconnection between anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses is also strong. Many people experience anxiety and depression in conjunction with one another.
The most important thing to remember is that anxiety disorders – and all mood or personality disorders – are treatable. Treatment for these disorders often involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both, depending on the specific needs and symptoms of the individual. Those who prefer to avoid the use of prescription medication still have a lot of options.
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can significantly impact every aspect of your daily life – but the good news is that there are many effective treatment options. These include:
Psychotherapy
Often referred to as “talk therapy,” psychotherapy is an effective tool for treating most anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy can be conducted individually, in a group setting, or within a familial context.
The treatment duration may vary, but can extend several years – depending on the disorder’s severity and treatment response. Many patients find relief and comfort in the consistency of regular psychotherapy or “talk therapy.”
Psychotherapy aims to reduce symptoms, correct and redirect negative thinking – while fostering healthy coping skills. It is a form of therapy that can address the root cause(s) of your anxiety.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a specific form of psychotherapy that identifies and alters negative thinking and behavioral patterns. It has been studied to be effective for those with anxiety and personality disorders. This therapy has proven especially effective for anxiety.
For example, in cases of social anxiety disorder, CBT might focus on overcoming the fear of public speaking or interacting in social settings. It often involves role-playing exercises and homework assignments to practice new skills.
Medication
Anti-anxiety medication or “anxiolytics” are often used to alleviate symptoms. Commonly prescribed prescription anxiety medications include:
- Benzodiazepines: such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
- Buspirone: also known as “Buspar”
- Antidepressants: including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil)
These medications are usually prescribed for long-term use, but they can cause side-effects in some individuals – this is an option that should be discussed at length with a healthcare professional, like our staff at Be Well Primary Care.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Alongside (or instead of) traditional treatment, complementary therapies may be utilized, which include:
- Relaxation techniques: such as deep breathing or yoga
- Herbal supplements: like kava kava or valerian root
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
These options can be explored in consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure they are appropriate for your situation. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription medications, so always consult a doctor or physician prior to use.
Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Fort Worth, TX
If left untreated, anxiety can exacerbate daily life stress. It can make simplistic tasks – or even focusing on tasks – much more difficult, extending the time and energy needed to get through your day. It can also negatively affect friendships and romantic relationships, causing self-imposed isolation. It hinders the formation of new connections.
Through a number of different treatment options, anxiety can be overcome. You can cultivate more fulfilling connections, and embrace healthier thought patterns. Hyperfixation and catastrophizing can be eliminated.
Therapy and professional support can help put you on a healthier path. If you are suffering from any signs or symptoms of anxiety disorder, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Contact us at Be Well Primary Care today for a consultation.
Our team of clinicians and professionals in Fort Worth, Texas are here to provide comprehensive and compassionate care, tailored to your needs.
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