Anxiety Specialist - Delray Beach, FL: Florida Complete Psychiatry: Psychiatrist

FLORIDA COMPLETE PSYCHIATRY AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Psychiatrists located in Delray Beach, FL

Worry and nervousness about certain situations is a normal part of life. However, if you worry so much it makes everyday activities nearly impossible, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Dr. Heidi Erickson at Florida Complete Psychiatry in Delray Beach, Florida combines traditional psychiatric treatment with alternative therapies to help you manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life.
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ANXIETY Q & A

What is anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or unease. It’s normal to feel some amount of anxiety on occasion when dealing with an upcoming event or looming deadline.

However, if your anxiety is excessive and persistent to where it disrupts your life, you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. These types of disorders can bring on rapid and intense feelings of fear and terror that are utterly paralyzing.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

There are several types of anxiety disorders, and they bring varying symptoms, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder: Feeling on edge, fatiguing easily, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping

Social anxiety disorder: Intense nervousness and self-consciousness when being with other people, days of worry before an event or social situation, fear of judgment from other people

Panic disorder: Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear, feeling a loss of control during an attack, avoidance of places or activities where attacks have occurred

Selective mutism: Consistent failure of a child to speak in certain situations

Separation anxiety: A childhood disorder characterized by extreme fear when a child is separated from their primary caregiver

Phobias, such as acrophobia and claustrophobia, and anxiety related to drug and alcohol abuse are also considered anxiety disorders.

In some cases, a medical condition such as hyperthyroidism or low blood sugar can bring on anxiety. A consultation with Dr. Erickson can help you identify the type of anxiety you’re dealing with and develop a plan to help you manage your feelings.

What are the risky factor for developing an anxiety disorder?

Genetics and environmental factors may play a role in your risk of developing an anxiety disorder. These factors include:

Gender, with women more likely than men to be affected

Shyness as a child

Low economic status

Close relative with anxiety disorder

Exposure to stressful situations during childhood or as an adult

Parent with a history of mental illness

Widowed or divorced

How is an anxiety disorder managed?

Talk therapy

Medication including anxiolytics, antidepressants, or beta blockers

Techniques to help you better manage stress

Lifestyle changes, including eating a healthy diet and exercising

Alternative therapies such as herbal supplements or meditation

Most importantly when it comes to managing an anxiety disorder, you need to be involved in your treatment. This might mean keeping a journal to track your feelings or practicing strategies to help you manage situations that bring out your anxiety.

If you think you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder and need help, Call the office