These include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Unspecified Anxiety Disorder (may be caused by other psychiatric conditions), Somatic Symptom Disorder and other variants of health anxiety as well as other conditions that may be aggravated by anxiety and stress.
Book OnlineAnxiety disorders come in a variety of forms, from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. Anxiety develops from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Many individuals diagnosed with anxiety may also have co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health disorders.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Nervousness, restlessness, and feeling unable to relax
- Feelings of danger, panic, and dread
- Rapid heart rate and breathing, or hyperventilation
- Increased or heavy sweating
- Muscle twitching or trembling
- Weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty focusing
- Insomnia
- Digestive problems
- Avoidant behavior
- Obsessions about certain ideas
Panic
Panic attacks can be caused by heredity, chemical imbalances, stress, and the use of stimulants such as caffeine or drugs. Panic attacks are often described as occurring suddenly and involving intense feelings of fear, with symptoms that are severe and disruptive. During panic attacks, the body’s fight-or-flight response often takes over, leading to a more abrupt response compared to anxiety attacks.
Symptoms
Both panic and anxiety attacks can share the following symptoms:
- Accelerated heart rate
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Lightheadedness or disorientation
- Nausea
- Numbness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Tightness in the throat
- Trembling
Panic attacks typically reach their peak intensity within 10 minutes or less before beginning to subside. Unlike anxiety attacks, panic attacks can occur unexpectedly without any clear triggers.
Common Stressors
Panic attacks can also be triggered by certain stressors similar to those associated with anxiety disorders or attacks. Common stressors include:
- Caffeine
- Chronic illnesses
- Medication
- Phobias or feelings of distress
- Reminders of traumatic experiences
- Social situations
- Stress
- Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol
Treatment
At NYCity Psychiatry - Ramteen Rezai MD, each treatment plan is tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient. Symptoms, medical history, and other relevant factors such as life events and behaviors will be carefully reviewed. Collaboration with any other healthcare providers ensures the proper diagnosis and suitable treatment plan for the patient’s needs and lifestyle.