Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a normal response to situations in life. However, if it affects you daily, you may have an anxiety disorder. At Conduit Behavioral Health in Baltimore, Maryland, medical director Temika Heyward, DNP, PMHNP, and her mental health care team have the expertise and experience to treat anxiety disorders. Request an appointment online or call the friendly staff today to learn more. The practice also offers telehealth appointments.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is defined by feelings of nervousness, worry, or unease, typically about a situation, event, or something with an uncertain outcome. It’s a normal emotion that everyone experiences on occasion. However, if anxiety is excessive or lasts for an extended period of time, it can become a problem.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older every year. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

There are several types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worry about things like work, school, health, and money)
• Panic disorder (sudden and intense episodes of fear)
• Social anxiety disorder (afraid of social situations)
• Specific phobias (afraid of objects or situations, such as spiders, heights, or flying)
• Separation anxiety disorder (children being extremely anxious when separated from their parents or caregivers)
• Selective mutism (children not speaking in certain situations, such as at school or with strangers)

The Conduit Behavioral Health professionals have the expertise to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment after a comprehensive evaluation.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the individual and type of anxiety disorder. Common symptoms include:

• Worrying excessively about things that are unlikely to happen
• Difficulty controlling worry
• Restlessness or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Muscle tension or aches and pains
• Racing heart or pounding in the chest
• Shortness of breath or difficulty catching your breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating or feeling cold
• Nausea or an upset stomach

With treatment, most people with anxiety disorders can live happy and fulfilling lives.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable with therapy and medication. Therapy can help you learn how to manage your anxiety and develop coping mechanisms. Medication can also be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.

Conduit Behavioral Health offers a psychiatric rehabilitation program (PRP) that helps their patients with mental health challenges establish an independent and healthy life.

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know may have an anxiety disorder, it’s important to seek professional help. With treatment, most people with anxiety disorders can live happy and fulfilling lives.

If anxiety affects your quality of life, call or book an appointment online with the Conduit Behavioral health experts today.