Anxiety

Bowman Medical Group

Psychiatrists & Mental Health Providers located in Beverly Hills, CA

Anxiety can cause you to feel overwhelmed with worry, fear, or panic. Affecting about 40 million men and women in the United States, anxiety can prevent you from performing daily tasks, keeping up with obligations, or interacting socially. Bowman Medical Group understands the struggles of anxiety and designs personalized treatment plans to help you gain control over your anxious feelings. If you or someone you love has an anxiety disorder, schedule a consultation by calling the Beverly Hills, California, office today.

Anxiety Q & A

What is anxiety?

An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by intense, overwhelming feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. 

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. When you suffer from continual anxiety that doesn’t have a particular cause, it’s often known as generalized anxiety disorder.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Feelings of worry and fear arise as a normal reaction to stress or dangerous situations. Usually, the feelings disappear once the stress or danger subsides. But when you have anxiety, these feelings can arise without an apparent cause and they don’t easily go away. They begin to interfere as you go about your life and personal relationships. 

Over time, anxiety can decrease your self-esteem and may affect your physical health. 

Common symptoms of anxiety include:  

  • Irritation
  • Agitation
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating, weakness, or trembling
  • Digestive problems

Anxiety is correlated with some heart disease, auto-immune problems, gastrointestinal  and respiratory conditions.

What causes anxiety?

While the causes of anxiety are not fully understood, genetics and individual brain chemistry likely play a role in developing anxiety disorders.

Risk factors for an anxiety disorder include:

  • Ongoing work, school, or relationship stress
  • Loss or emotional trauma
  • Substance abuse
  • Financial hardship

You’re more likely to develop anxiety if you have a family history of the condition.

How is anxiety diagnosed?

To provide an accurate diagnosis, your experienced provider at Bowman Medical Group performs a comprehensive evaluation. This includes an in-depth interview, psychological screening, and may include blood work, genetic testing, and other diagnostic techniques. 

How is anxiety treated?

The compassionate mental health providers at Bowman Medical Group design customized treatment plans to help you manage your anxiety. Your care plan may include:

  • Psychotherapy 
  • Group, family, or couples therapy
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Antidepressants

The practice also provides treatment for co-occurring conditions, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder.

With treatment, you can break free from anxiety and restore your ability to lead a full, productive life. To schedule an evaluation for yourself or a family member, call Bowman Medical Group today.