Anxiety

Now seeing patients via telemedicine in Rockford, Chicago, Champaign, Peoria, Springfield, the Metro East, and across Illinois.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause intrusive, distressing, and disproportionate fears and worries. 

Everyone feels anxious occasionally, but these feelings are usually related to a specific stressor, like family health or a big project at work, and the anxiety passes. An anxiety disorder doesn’t go away on its own and typically becomes more severe with time. 

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder, which causes intense fears about everyday situations, is the most common type of anxiety disorder. However, you might also experience social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or specific phobias. 

Many patients with anxiety also have other mental health conditions. For example, you might have symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder as well as anxiety.

When should I talk to a doctor about anxiety?

Anxiety can cause a variety of disruptive mental and physical symptoms, including:

• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Sense of panic or impending doom
• Sleep disruptions
• Reduced concentration and decision-making
• Changes to eating habits
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Rapid respiration or heart rate
• Trembling
• Digestive symptoms
• Avoidance

If these symptoms sound familiar and are interfering with your ability to perform at work or function at home, it’s time to talk to the team at ClariPath Psychiatry. They offer personalized treatment plans to help reduce your anxiety and return to a fulfilling life. 

How is anxiety treated?

When it comes to treating anxiety, the team at ClariPath Psychiatry takes a broad, integrated approach. They begin with a consultation to assess your condition and get to know your needs. 

You explore the causes of your apprehension and sadness and work together on practical and affordable solutions to your day-to-day challenges. 

Many patients benefit from a combination of multidisciplinary therapeutic modalities. Depending on your needs, your ClariPath Psychiatry provider creates customized treatment plans that could include:

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle modifications
• Other alternative therapies

The team may use innovative pharmacogenomic testing to identify which medications are most likely to provide rapid relief from your symptoms. 

While medication can relieve your symptoms, psychotherapy provides a safe and nurturing environment for you to explore and resolve your thoughts and emotions. Your provider can also teach you different techniques for coping with anxious feelings. 

Additionally, many patients benefit from adjusting their diets and adding physical activity to their daily routines. Your ClariPath Psychiatry specialist might also recommend meditation, yoga, or other activities that can help you calm your mind and manage your anxiety.

Call ClariPath Psychiatry or request an appointment online today.