Anxiety is the most common mental illness, affecting nearly 40 million adults in the United States. It’s a common condition, but less than half of people with anxiety seek treatment. Anxiety is highly treatable, and people with anxiety can find an improved quality of life. At the offices of Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD, in Glen Burnie, Maryland, the team partners with patients who are struggling with anxiety to help them achieve a better quality of life. To learn more about treatments for anxiety, call the office or book an appointment online today. You can also schedule telehealth services during normal business hours, after business hours, or on weekends.

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that everyone experiences. While anxiety is normal from time to time, ongoing feelings of anxiousness and worry may not go away on their own.

An anxiety disorder occurs when you have excessive feelings of anxiety, nervousness, worry, or fear. People with anxiety disorders have trouble processing these emotions, and if left untreated, an anxiety disorder can significantly impact their life.

The good news is that treatment often makes a significant difference in the lives of many patients with anxiety disorders.

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

There isn’t just one type of anxiety. Anxiety comes in many different forms, from generalized anxiety disorder to specific phobias.

You may have a generalized anxiety disorder if you have ongoing anxious feelings and worry about many different things.

Social anxiety involves social interaction. Someone with social anxiety may worry and have intense anxious feelings about going into public, public speaking, or making small talk. Social anxiety can severely impact your quality of life and your closest relationships.

Other types of anxiety are phobias, such as fear of flying or fear of needles. Anxiety can come along with other mood disorders as well. Some people with anxiety experience panic attacks and may be more likely to suffer from depression and vice versa.

How is anxiety diagnosed and treated?

Life can be stressful, and it’s normal to feel anxious or worried from time to time. But if anxiety begins interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s time to seek help. When worrying begins to affect your relationships, work, or school, you may have anxiety. If you ever have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you should seek emergency treatment immediately.

If you have ongoing feelings of worry and anxiety lasting six months or longer, a professional evaluation with the team at Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD, can help diagnose your condition and get you started on a treatment plan. A physical exam, a review of your current medications and medical history, and a psychological questionnaire are useful tools in confirming an anxiety diagnosis.

Anxiety treatment often includes psychotherapy or medication. Psychotherapy, or counseling, can help you learn more about your anxiety and give you the tools to manage it. Antidepressant medications can also be used to treat anxiety. Since anxiety is different for everyone, it may take some trial and error to find the best treatment plan for you.

If you think you have anxiety, you shouldn’t suffer alone. To schedule an appointment with the team at Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD, call the office or book online today.