Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious sometimes, especially during stressful situations. But if your anxiety is constant, overwhelming, and affects your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Almost one in three people experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime.

People who experience anxiety disorders may find their lives marked by excessive worry, fear, apprehension, and distress. They may feel powerless to control their worry.

Effective treatment is available. If you feel that anxiety is affecting your daily life, contact us! Dr. Betterly will guide you through treatment options to help you find what works best for you.

Symptoms of Anxiety

  • Excessive worrying about various aspects of life (work, family, relationships)

  • Rumination (“overthinking”)

  • Seeking reassurance

  • Catastrophizing (“thinking the worst”)

  • Restlessness or feeling “on edge”

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Fatigue

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Physical symptoms (i.e. muscle tension, headaches, racing heartbeat, sweating, dizziness, upset stomach)

Anxiety Disorders

There are a number of different anxiety disorders, each exhibiting unique symptoms that can vary widely from one individual to another. These disorders encompass a range of experiences that may affect daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Panic Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Illness Anxiety Disorder

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex condition that is frequently influenced by a multitude of contributing factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental stressors, and individual life experiences.

Dr. Betterly completes a thorough psychiatric evaluation to identify these factors so that she can develop a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that is tailored to you as a unique individual.

As a physician, Dr. Betterly has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the ways in which our physical health can impact our mental health.

Some potential contributing factors may include:

Biological

  • Family history and genetics

  • Neurotransmitter imbalances

  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)

  • Medical conditions (i.e. hyperthyroidism)

Psychological

  • Stressful life events (grief, loss, relationship problems, transitions)

  • Negative thinking patterns

  • Personality traits

Social

  • Isolation

  • Financial stress

Treatment for anxiety

Treatments for anxiety may include prescription medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Betterly takes a personalized approach to develop a treatment plan that considers your unique needs and preferences. As a board-certified psychiatrist, she has extensive experience with treating various types of anxiety disorders.