Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Having occasional anxiety is normal. It’s something that affects everyone before a major event, like your wedding, an exam, or your first day at a new job. But anxiety isn’t something that should be impacting your life on a daily basis.

Many types of anxiety exist, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. If you have episodes of fear or worry that cause you to miss work, avoid enjoyable activities, or skip certain events or places entirely, it’s time to consider having an evaluation. 

When should I see a doctor for anxiety?

Typically, doctors diagnose generalized anxiety disorder when you have excessive worry on most days of the week for a minimum of six months. It’s important to come to Boston Neurobehavioral Associates if you regularly experience any of the following issues:

• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Chronic fatigue 
• Poor focus and concentration 
• Sleep problems, including insomnia

You should also have an evaluation at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates if you experience signs of panic disorder or severe phobias, including:

• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath 
• Sudden episodes of fear 
• Sweating, trembling, or shaking

Anxiety is certainly manageable. Your provider at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates talks with you about what you experience so they can do two things: get to the root of why you have anxiety and design an effective treatment plan. 

How does a doctor treat anxiety?

Boston Neurobehavioral Associates provides integrative anxiety treatment plans that usually incorporate therapy and prescription medication. You may benefit from regular cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to learn to think, behave, and react differently to anxiety-causing situations. Exposure therapy can further help you confront your fears and control your emotions.

Your practitioner at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates can also prescribe anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications to help your brain better utilize brain chemicals. It’s important to understand that it takes time to learn to cope with anxiety. But with the help of your provider, you have someone to turn to every step of the way. 

If you struggle with anxiety, don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates. Click on the online scheduling tool or call any office to book your visit by phone.