Anxiety is our body’s normal response to uncertainty. Everyone worries from time to time. Whether we are concerned about finances, uncertain employment, health issues, relationship problems, or other worrisome areas of life, anxiety is likely to be part of our response. These feelings are normal and usually temporary – as the situation improves, we feel less anxiety.
Anxiety disorders hijack the body’s normal anxiety response and prolong the duration of worry. They also elevate our fears drastically out of proportion to the underlying concern. Rather than a temporary feeling of worry or concern, anxiety is an excessive and persistent fear or worry about common situations.
Anxiety disorders may be diagnosed if a person experiences significant functional impairment due to anxiety for a prolonged length of time, generally 6 months or longer.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include persistent worrying, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Anxiety disorders can also contribute to other physical and mental health problems, especially depression.
There are several types of anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. In order from most common to least common, some specific types of anxiety disorder include:
Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorder, impacting between 8 to 12 percent of adults at any given time. Specific phobias are an excessive fear of a specific thing, such as flying or public speaking.Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, with many individuals experiencing symptoms of both conditions simultaneously, leading to a unique phenomenon known as anxious depression. This co-occurrence can significantly complicate diagnosis and treatment approaches.
It is estimated that 60% of those with anxiety will also have symptoms of depression, with about the same number of those with depression also experiencing anxiety. [Source] Co-occurring cases of depression and anxiety are the most common co-occurrence in mental health.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diseases and disorders of the brain. Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being. Psychiatrists help patients achieve a positive state of mental health by treating issues such as anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and addiction/dependency issues – including co-occurring cases where a person has two or more issues concurrently.
Psychiatrists may prescribe medication for anxiety. SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro are often prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety. Your psychiatrist will work closely with you to adjust medication types and dosages to try to maximize the beneficial effect while minimizing any negative side effects.
Psychiatrists may also recommend advanced treatments, such as TMS, for anxiety.
Some psychiatrists use specialized tools, such as an EEG (electroencephalogram), as part of an anxiety screening. An EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain and displays a visual pattern of brain activity that can indicate brain disorders. At Inland Empire TMS in Murrieta, California, all new patients receive an EEG screening in addition to standard screenings for depression and anxiety.
The visual mapping of the brain from the EEG helps to diagnose depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. These disorders leave a visual signature on the EEG.
A psychiatrist then uses this information along with standard assessments to provide a complete diagnosis and recommend treatment.
Inland Empire TMS offers new patients a free EEG brain scan, depression screening, and anxiety screening at their office in Murrieta. To schedule a free brain scan and anxiety screening, request an appointment today.
Many patients prefer not to use antidepressants. It may be because you do not like the side effects of the drugs, or are tired of constantly having to take medication, or simply want a natural, non-pharmaceutical treatment program.
Patients living in Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar or other locations in Riverside County, California, have access to an excellent anxiety treatment that does not use antidepressants. Inland Empire TMS in Murrieta offers TMS treatment for anxiety: the latest, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment available.
Patient treatment consists of a full diagnostic evaluation using an EEG brain scan and standard anxiety and depression screening assessments. Following a psychiatric evaluation, patients may be recommended for TMS therapy (Transcranial magnetic stimulation). TMS is a highly effective treatment for anxiety, including co-occurring cases of anxiety and depression.
Many patients prefer TMS over other anxiety treatment options because:
If you are looking for help with anxiety in the Inland Empire area of California, Inland Empire TMS in Murrieta, California is an excellent choice for anxiety treatment. Dr. Cox, clinic psychiatrist, is an expert in diagnosing and treating anxiety – in all its forms – using the latest diagnostic and treatment tools available.
Inland Empire TMS serves patients in Murrieta, Temecula, Corona, Riverside, and all of Riverside County. Active-duty military, military veterans, and their families are especially welcome and receive care and treatment that is informed by the unique circumstances and needs of military members and their families.
Contact Inland Empire TMS today at (951) 228-3743 to schedule your free anxiety screening and begin the journey to healing.
