Anxiety is a common emotion that almost everyone feels at some point in their lives. Anxiety is not always negative. It can be a positive experience that leads to excitement. It can also be productive in that it motivates us to “do something”.
However, anxiety CAN be negative if it becomes a feeling that is persistent or overwhelming. At any given time in the US, almost 20% of the population suffers from an anxiety disorder. These include phobias (specific fears of things), panic disorders, social anxieties, and generalized anxiety disorder. In extreme forms, they can cause interruption in a person’s ability to function, maintain work relationships, and/or maintain personal relationships.
The good news is that anxiety, if causing an impairment, has multiple treatments that are successful. Counseling and learning new coping mechanisms is the gold standard. However, for many people, there is a genetic basis, or issues that are not solved by counseling alone. Multiple medications can be used in the treatment of anxiety. Please call us if you would like to discuss medication options tailored for you.