Anxiety
Understanding, Managing and Treating Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are conditions where worry, fear or physical symptoms become persistent and overwhelming, instead of short-term and situation-based. Common signs include excessive worrying, restlessness, sleep problems and panic attacks. Effective treatments include therapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)), medication when appropriate and lifestyle changes. If anxiety is disrupting work, school or relationships, it's time to seek professional help.
Written by
Dr. Bessy Martirosyan
Reviewed by
Dr. Ellen MachikawaIf anxiety is affecting your daily life, Savant Care's licensed psychiatrists, NPs and therapists provide same-week in-person and telehealth care for adults in California and Texas. Book a same-week appointment or call/text (866) 499-2588 to get started.
Table of Contents
What is Anxiety? (What's Normal vs a Disorder?)
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel nervous when faced with stressful situations, such as managing problems at work, taking a test or making important decisions. This type of anxiety can actually be helpful—it can alert you to dangers and help you prepare and pay attention.
Normal anxiety is usually short-term and tied to a specific event or situation. It tends to be proportional to the actual threat or challenge you're facing and it goes away once the situation is resolved.
When Does Anxiety Become a Disorder?
People with anxiety disorders experience worry and fear as constant and overwhelming. If anxiety starts interfering with your ability to lead a normal life, it may have crossed the line into a disorder and you should consult a physician.
Signs of an Anxiety Disorder:
- Persistent worry that interferes with daily activities
- Avoiding situations due to excessive fear
- Physical symptoms that occur regularly
- Difficulty controlling worrisome thoughts
Think your anxiety may be a disorder?
Talk to a Savant Care psychiatrist in-person or via secure telehealth. We serve adults in California & Texas.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of several risk factors, including changes in the brain, genetics and environmental stress. Understanding these causes can help in developing effective treatment strategies.
Biological Factors
- • Differences in brain chemicals that affect mood
- • Genetic predisposition
- • Differences in how certain brain areas communicate
- • Medical conditions
Environmental Factors
- • Traumatic experiences
- • Chronic stress
- • Substance abuse
- • Major life changes
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can manifest through various physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms:
Physical Symptoms
- • Stomach upset or diarrhea
- • Frequent urination
- • Muscle tension
- • Headaches
- • Shortness of breath
- • Tremors and twitches
- • Fatigue or extreme exhaustion
- • Insomnia
- • Pounding heart
- • Sweating
- • Tingling or numbness
- • Dizziness
Emotional & Behavioral
- • Persistent worry or fear
- • Feeling restless or on edge
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Irritability
- • Avoidance of certain situations
- • Panic attacks
- • Social withdrawal
- • Procrastination
- • Perfectionism
- • Checking behaviors
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with specific characteristics and symptoms:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, often without a specific trigger.
Panic Disorder
Recurring panic attacks and persistent worry about having future attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed by others.
Specific Phobias
Excessive fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, animals or medical procedures.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Excessive anxiety about separation from people or places that provide feelings of security.
How Is Anxiety Treated?
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable and most people who receive treatment experience significant improvement. Treatment typically involves a combination of approaches tailored to individual needs.
Success Rates
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. An NIMH-funded clinical trial found that combination treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) plus medication) produced improvement in approximately 81% of participants, while CBT alone helped about 60% ( Walkup et al., NEJM 2008). Similar response patterns have been observed across age groups ( National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)).
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. CBT (a structured form of talk therapy) helps you recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Medications
Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants can help manage symptoms when used under medical supervision.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular exercise, stress management, adequate sleep and limiting caffeine can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
How Savant Care Treats Anxiety
Savant Care provides evidence-based anxiety treatment through a coordinated care team. Each patient works with a licensed psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner alongside a therapist, so medication management and talk therapy stay aligned from day one.
Treatment plans are built around each patient's needs and may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication when clinically appropriate, and Trauma-Informed Yoga sessions included at no extra cost for all patients. Your care team reviews your progress through a journal feedback system between appointments, catching issues before they escalate.
- 1Same-week in-person and telehealth evaluations with licensed psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and therapists who specialize in anxiety disorders
- 2Custom treatment plans including CBT, medication management when clinically appropriate, and Trauma-Informed Yoga sessions included at no extra cost for all patients
Getting Started: Insurance, Locations, and Booking
Who We Serve
Adults and young adults 18 and older. In-person appointments are available at our California and Texas locations. Telehealth appointments are available for patients physically located in California or Texas at the time of their visit.
If you're in California, learn more about our Online Psychiatrists in California – Same-Week Telehealth.
Insurance Accepted
Savant Care is in-network with 22+ plans including Anthem, Blue Shield of California, Aetna, Cigna, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Visit savantcare.com/insurance-coverage to verify your specific plan.
Availability & Booking
Most new patients are seen within 2 to 7 days.
Self-Help Strategies for Anxiety
While professional treatment is often necessary, there are several self-help strategies that can complement therapy and medication:
Evidence-Based Self-Help Techniques:
- • Deep breathing and relaxation exercises
- • Mindfulness and meditation practices
- • Regular physical exercise
- • Gradual exposure to feared situations
- • Challenging negative thoughts
- • Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
When Should I See a Doctor or Therapist for Anxiety?
It's important to seek professional help when anxiety begins to interfere with your daily life, relationships or overall well-being. Don't wait until symptoms become severe.
Important Medical Advice
If you're having thoughts of self-harm or feel unsafe, call 988 or 911 instead of booking online. Your safety is the top priority.
Ready to Take Control of Your Anxiety?
Connect with our California- and Texas-licensed clinicians by secure video. Many new patients are seen within 2–7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Can anxiety cause chest pain?
Yes. Anxiety commonly causes chest pain, which can feel sharp, aching, or like a muscle spasm. If chest pain is frequent or severe, see a doctor to rule out a cardiac condition.
Important Medical Advice
If you experience chest pain frequently, visit a doctor to determine whether it's anxiety-related or a physical condition.
Can anxiety cause high blood pressure?
Anxiety can temporarily raise blood pressure through stress hormone release, but it does not usually cause chronic hypertension. Ongoing stress and anxiety may contribute to cardiovascular risk over time.
Key Insight
While short-term spikes are normal, chronic stress and anxiety may contribute to cardiovascular issues over time.
What is an anxiety attack?
An anxiety attack (also called a panic attack) is a sudden surge of intense fear that causes strong physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath, even when no real danger is present.
Panic Attack Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness and feelings of doom.
Can anxiety cause nausea and dizziness?
Yes. Your body's fight-or-flight response can disrupt digestion and balance, causing nausea and dizziness. These symptoms typically ease as anxiety decreases with treatment.
Recovery Note
These symptoms are usually temporary and improve as anxiety decreases with proper treatment.
References
[1] Walkup JT, Albano AM, Piacentini J, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy, sertraline, or a combination in childhood anxiety. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(26):2753-2766. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2702984/
[2] National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
[3] Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Treatment. https://adaa.org/find-help/treatment-help
[4] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
[5] Mayo Clinic. Anxiety disorders: Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
[6] Cleveland Clinic. Anxiety disorders: Management and treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders