Anxiety

If you’re constantly anxious when other people appear at ease, visit Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado. Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Dr. Alison Burton, DNP,  offers treatments for anxiety to take the edge off during social gatherings or other anxiety-provoking situations. Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation at Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, by phone or request one online today.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a condition that affects your moods, thoughts, emotions, and even your behaviors. It’s a common concern among men and women, but for some people, anxiety is crippling when not addressed. Depression, a mental health disorder that causes extreme or ongoing sadness, commonly coincides with anxiety.

What are the different types of anxiety?

Common forms of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is a condition that causes you to experience worry or fear in situations that most people are comfortable in.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder causes anxious feelings when you’re around other people, particularly in larger group gatherings.

Phobias

Phobias cause extreme fear when exposed to certain things, such as snakes, spiders, heights, bridges, airplanes, or elevators. 

Panic disorder

Panic disorder can cause panic attacks, a reaction to anxiety-provoking situations, and is common among people with phobias. Panic attacks can cause difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, extreme fear, a racing heartbeat, or feeling like you’re having a heart attack.  

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder in which you avoid situations or places that make you feel embarrassed, helpless, panicked, or trapped. 

Selective mutism

Selective mutism is the failure to speak in certain situations or when you’re around specific people. It’s more common among children. For example, a child may avoid speaking when at school and with friends or extended family but speak freely among close family members. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Anxiety can cause the following symptoms:

• Racing heartbeat
• Avoiding situations that promote anxiousness 
• Constant fear or worry
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Stress
• Depression
• Fear in social situations
• Fatigue

Anxiety is a risk factor for misusing substances like drugs or alcohol, which can lead to addiction. See Alison at the first sign of worrisome anxiety symptoms.

How does my provider diagnose anxiety?

Diagnosing anxiety involves a psychiatric evaluation. Alison asks questions about your moods, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and lifestyle habits. She discusses your medical history, medications, and more to diagnose any mental health challenges and establish the best treatment. Genetic testing determines which medications are likely the best match for you.

How is anxiety treated?

Alison provides medication management, lifestyle coaching, and psychotherapy. She counsels you about ways to work through troublesome symptoms of anxiety and be more at ease in everyday situations. You might meet with Alison for medication managment / psychotherapy sessions virtually from the comfort of your home or in her office.

Schedule an in-person or virtual mental health evaluation at Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.