Anxiety

Anxiety can be a temporary response to stress, but for others, it becomes a chronic condition that significantly impacts your daily life. At Sage Psychiatric Care in San Antonio, Texas, lead Nurse Practitioner Christina Wei, PMHNP, offers evaluation and treatment for anxiety disorders so you can manage symptoms and find more peace in everyday life. Call today or use the online tool to book an appointment if you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of overwhelming anxiety. 

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, such as a big test or important work presentation. When anxiety becomes excessive or persistent, it may develop into an anxiety disorder.

People with anxiety disorders often experience overwhelming and irrational worry or fear, which can interfere with their daily lives and well-being. Symptoms can range from restlessness and nervousness to physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat and muscle tension.

What are some common types of anxiety disorders?

Common anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

People with GAD have excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about various life situations or events, often without a specific trigger. You may find it challenging to control your worry, and it can manifest in physical symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. GAD can interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.

Panic disorder 

Panic disorder manifests as recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of fear and discomfort that peak within minutes. These attacks can involve symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, and a fear of losing control or dying. If you have panic disorder, you live in fear of experiencing another panic attack.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations and a profound sense of self-consciousness. People with this disorder may fear being judged or embarrassed in social settings, leading them to avoid social interactions altogether. 

Specific phobias

Specific phobias are characterized by intense, irrational fears of particular objects or situations. Common phobias include fear of heights (acrophobia), fear of spiders (arachnophobia), and fear of flying (aviophobia). When confronted with their phobia, individuals may experience extreme anxiety or panic attacks.

Each type of disorder has its unique symptoms and triggers, but they all involve excessive and irrational fear or worry. Anxiety can also occur alongside other mental health concerns, like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How can a psychiatric nurse practitioner help with anxiety?

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Christina has the training and experience to diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. 

She provides psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you learn coping strategies and change negative thought patterns. Christina also prescribes medications, when appropriate, such as anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, contact Sage Psychiatric Care today. Call the office or use the online tool to book an appointment.