Anxiety Disorders

Roughly a third of adults in the United States experience an anxiety disorder sometime in their life, often alongside other mental health diagnoses like depression. At Cary Behavioral Health, Waheed Bajwa, MD, Maggie D’Angelo, PMHNP-BC, and the team provide personalized and compassionate treatment for anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, Panic disorder, Generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Call the office in Cary, North Carolina, or schedule an appointment online for an evaluation and treatment consultation today.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, or unease. These feelings can be intense and overwhelming, often interfering with daily life and functioning.

The exact causes of your anxiety can be complex and involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Traumatic events, stress, a history of family mental health issues, and certain brain chemistry imbalances might contribute to your anxious feelings.

Which type of anxiety disorder do I have?

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

OCD causes persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and rigid, automatic behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions vary widely and are different for everyone with the condition. You might experience a strong concern with order and precision, such as the need to arrange items. OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder and can cause major disruptions in your life. 

The team at Cary Behavioral Health treats you according to the type of disorder you have, the severity of your symptoms, and their overall impact on your life. 

What are the most common symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person and according to your specific diagnosis. Some of the most common signs of anxiety disorders include:

• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Trouble concentrating
• Muscle tension 
• Racing heart 
• Excessive sweating 
• Trembling
• Worry or fear 

Some people with severe anxiety experience panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort. 

How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?

The team at Cary Behavioral Health typically diagnoses anxiety disorders by completing a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This might involve evaluating your symptoms, medical history, family medical history, and the impact of anxiety on daily life.

Since many anxiety symptoms can come from other conditions, the team may use lab testing, neuropsychological testing, and other objective assessments to rule out other possible causes. 

Which treatments are available for anxiety?

Fortunately, you have many options for treatment when it comes to anxiety. Regardless of your diagnosis, the Cary Behavioral Health team is ready to treat you with evidence-based, compassionate care. 

Treatment approaches often include psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. You might also benefit from anti-anxiety medication, which alters your brain chemistry to regulate your moods, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Cary Behavioral Health also offers nonconventional treatments, like ketamine therapy and esketamine nasal spray, that may help with anxiety.