Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders may manifest as physical symptoms including: excessive sweating, shortness of breath, increased dizziness, and muscle aches or tension. While the cause of anxiety is unknown, trauma and life changes can trigger symptoms. Anxiety disorders are diagnosed more in women and tend to present in different ways in women and men.

Anxiety is a mental illness characterized by extended periods of emotional symptoms including:

• Panic, fear, and uneasiness

• Sleep problems

• Not being able to stay calm and still

• Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling hands or feet

• Shortness of breath or breathing faster & more quickly than normal (hyperventilation)

• Heart palpitations

Diagnosing anxiety disorders involves an evaluation to determine if your symptoms might be related to a different disorder. You have symptoms for at least six months to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Therapy is not one size fits all and there are many effective ways to treat anxiety, including:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

• Medication (I do not provide medications, so you need to meet with your primary care provider.)