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Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety

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Balanced Life Behavioral Health provides comprehensive care for individuals experiencing anxiety, helping them manage persistent worry, fear, and stress that impact daily life. Led by Benneth Ekwe, CRNP, PMHNP, Ph.D., a licensed provider in MD, DC, and VA with over twenty years of experience in behavioral health, we offer in-person and telemedicine evaluations, evidence-based therapies, and personalized treatment plans. Our collaborative approach involves patients and families to achieve the best outcomes. To learn more about anxiety, call Balanced Life Behavioral Health or schedule an appointment online today.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms can appear emotionally, physically, and behaviorally, and their intensity varies between individuals.

Emotional Symptoms

Persistent worry or fear about everyday situations
Irritability or restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed

Hyperactivity

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath or chest tightness
Muscle tension
Stomachaches, nausea, or headaches

Impulsivity

Avoiding certain situations
Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
Over-preparing for events
Seeking constant reassurance

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Healthcare professionals typically recognize several types of anxiety disorders:

 

Generalized anxiety disorder scaled

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Chronic, excessive worry about a variety of topics, lasting six months or longer.
Social anxiety disorder scaled

Social Anxiety Disorder

Intense fear or discomfort in social situations, often leading to avoidance behaviors.
Panic disorder

Panic Disorder

Repeated panic attacks marked by sudden fear and physical symptoms.
Specific phobias scaled

Specific Phobias

Persistent, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights or flying.
Panic attack anxiety disorder menopause woman stressful depressed person with mental health illness scaled

Separation Anxiety

Extreme fear of being apart from loved ones or familiar environments, common in children but can affect adults.
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Causes and Risk Factors

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Anxiety can develop due to multiple factors, including:

  • Genetic predisposition and family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions

  • Brain chemistry and neurotransmitter imbalances

  • Personality traits, such as high sensitivity or perfectionism

  • Environmental stressors, including trauma, abuse, or major life changes

  • Chronic medical conditions or substance use

Understanding these factors allows clinicians to create personalized treatment plans tailored to each client.

ADHD Q&A

Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent or intense anxiety may indicate a disorder.

Yes. Common types include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety.

Anxiety can result from genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, environmental stressors, or medical conditions.

Clinicians evaluate symptoms through interviews, questionnaires, and, when needed, medical assessments to rule out other conditions.

Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and, in some cases, medication, all tailored to the individual’s needs.