Conditions Anxiety & Panic Disorders
Anxiety

Anxiety & Panic Disorders

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the US — affecting over 40 million adults. With the right support, it's also one of the most treatable.

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What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that is difficult to control and interferes with daily life. Unlike normal stress — which comes and goes in response to specific situations — anxiety disorders cause ongoing distress that can feel overwhelming, even when there's no clear threat.

Anxiety is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It's a real medical condition rooted in how the brain processes fear signals, often influenced by genetics, life experiences, and neurochemistry.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Excessive, hard-to-control worry about everyday concerns — work, health, family — for six months or more.

Panic Disorder

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense fear, heart pounding, shortness of breath, and dizziness — often with fear of future attacks.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Intense fear of social situations and being judged by others — leading to avoidance that affects relationships and work.

Specific Phobias

Intense, irrational fear of specific objects or situations — like heights, flying, needles, or certain animals.

Agoraphobia

Fear of situations where escape might be difficult — open spaces, crowds, public transportation — often arising after panic attacks.

Separation Anxiety

Excessive fear about separation from attachment figures — can affect both children and adults.

Common Symptoms

Anxiety affects the mind and body. You may experience some or many of these:

Persistent worry or dread
Racing thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or restlessness
Rapid heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Sweating or trembling
Dizziness or nausea
Muscle tension or headaches
Sleep disturbances
Avoidance of triggers
Fatigue

Causes & Risk Factors

Anxiety disorders rarely have a single cause. Contributing factors include:

  • Genetics — Anxiety tends to run in families, suggesting a hereditary component.
  • Brain chemistry — Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA play a role.
  • Life experiences — Trauma, chronic stress, or major life changes can trigger or worsen anxiety.
  • Medical conditions — Thyroid disorders, heart arrhythmias, and chronic pain can mimic or worsen anxiety.
  • Substance use — Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can exacerbate symptoms.

How We Treat Anxiety at Arcadia Minds

Effective anxiety treatment is personalized. Our board-certified providers develop a plan tailored to your specific type of anxiety, severity, and goals.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The gold standard for anxiety. CBT helps you identify and reframe distorted thought patterns and develop coping strategies to reduce avoidance behaviors.

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Medication Management

SSRIs, SNRIs, and other medications can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. Our prescribers carefully select and monitor medications with regular follow-up.

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Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and acceptance-based therapies help you relate differently to anxious thoughts without being consumed by them.

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Telehealth Convenience

Anxiety can make leaving home difficult. Our telehealth option means you can meet with your provider from wherever feels safe — your living room, car, or office.

You don't have to live with anxiety.

Our board-certified providers can help you build a life that isn't ruled by worry. Appointments within 48 hours.

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