Anxiety

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue in the United States, affecting over 18% of adults and one-third of teenagers. Jay Rivas, MD, and the team at NuMind Psychiatry in Seattle and Kennewick, Washington, help patients of all ages recover from and cope with anxiety disorders. If anxiety interferes with your life, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that causes persistent and distressing fears and worries. There are several types of anxiety disorders that cause fears about different aspects of life. 

For example, generalized anxiety disorder causes fears about everyday responsibilities like work or school projects, chores, and health. Panic disorder has many triggers but causes panic attacks, including a variety of intense physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

Social anxiety disorder causes fears about interacting with other people, and separation anxiety triggers fears about being alone or abandoned. Some people also have specific phobias about anything from flying to spiders. 

What causes anxiety?

Medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of anxiety, although they have identified several risk factors, including a history of poverty, neglect, abuse, or trauma. 

A family or personal history of mental health issues also increases your risk of anxiety. Anxiety often co-occurs with other conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. 

When should I talk to a doctor about anxiety?

Anxiety causes a variety of disruptive physical and mental symptoms, including:

• Intense, persistent, and disproportionate fears and worries
• Intrusive negative thoughts 
• Restlessness
• Reduced concentration
• Increased irritability
• Muscle tension
• Insomnia
• Changes in appetite
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations

If you experience any of these symptoms or feel like you’re having trouble controlling your worries, schedule an assessment at NuMind Psychiatry. 

How do you treat anxiety?

NuMind Psychiatry begins by performing a thorough psychiatric evaluation to confirm your diagnosis and assess its impact on your life. Dr. Rivas and his colleagues work with you to create and implement a personalized treatment plan.

The practice uses a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to treating anxiety. They often combine medication with lifestyle adjustments and referrals for counseling. 

For example, medication can regulate your brain activity and relieve many of your symptoms. At the same time, you can optimize your health with improvements to your diet and exercise habits, meditation, and improved sleep. 

During therapy, you can explore and resolve your fears and worries. You might also learn techniques to manage negative thoughts and adjust your behavioral response.

Call NuMind Psychiatry or request an appointment online today for personalized, compassionate treatment for anxiety.