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Anxiety Treatment

in Atlanta

Experiencing anxiety is normal for everyone. However, persistent and prolonged periods of anxiety can negatively impact our mental health. Anxiety can affect us both psychologically and physically. If you are struggling with anxiety, Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry provides custom-tailored anxiety treatment in Atlanta. 

woman struggling looking for dual diagnosis treatment in georgia
woman struggling looking for dual diagnosis treatment in georgia

What Is Anxiety?

 

Anxiety is characterized by dread, tension, fear, worried thoughts, uneasiness, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. In addition, some people with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. As a result, they often attempt to avoid certain situations.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder signs and symptoms vary based on the type of anxiety a person has been diagnosed with and the severity of their condition. In general, most people with some form of anxiety disorder can exhibit the following:

  • Feeling restless, wound-up, or on edge.
  • Gets easily fatigued and tired after a short period.
  • Has difficulties concentrating, focusing, and making decisions.
  • Experiences mood swings and irritability.
  • Problems controlling one’s feelings, such as fear, worry, or dread.
  • Has intense emotions without an actual connection to a specific event, location, or person.
  • Ongoing fear or worry that persists.
  • Difficulties sleeping or sleeping too much.
  • Experiencing digestive and gastrointestinal problems.
  • Elevate heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Persistent muscle tension.

 

If you are unsure if you are struggling with anxiety and would like some guidance, take our Do I Have Anxiety Quiz now. 

    You are not alone. You deserve to get help. Request a confidential phone call now


    Causes of Anxiety Disorders

     

    There can be several underlying causes of anxiety disorders that may or may not be connected based on the type of anxiety a person is experiencing. In general, anxiety could be caused by one or more of the following:

     

    • Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families, with some family members more likely to develop an anxiety disorder than others.
    • Stressful life events: Trauma, significant life changes (such as divorce or starting a new job), and high-stress levels are linked to the development of anxiety disorders.
    • Health conditions: Some medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid problems can cause or worsen anxiety symptoms
    • Alcohol and drug use disorders and withdrawal: The use or withdrawal from alcohol and drugs can trigger anxiety symptoms
    • Personality traits/thinking patterns: People who tend to be pessimistic, have low self-esteem, or set excessively high standards for themselves may be at increased risk for developing an anxiety disorder
    man needing Anxiety and ADHD treatment in Atlanta, GA.

    Types of Anxiety Disorders

    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is excessive worry and tension. Someone with GAD has difficulty controlling their worries and is often plagued by irrational fears. 
    • Panic disorder is unexpected and recurrent panic attacks, with sudden periods of intense fear accompanied by symptoms such as sweating, racing heart rate, trembling, or shaking. Panic attacks can last minutes to hours and often lead to feelings of being out of control. People with panic disorder may also experience anticipatory anxiety – the fear of future panic attacks.

      More: Is Panic Disorder a Disability?

    • Agoraphobia is a fear of being in places or situations where one may feel trapped, helpless, or embarrassed. Common agoraphobic experiences include fear of leaving the house, open spaces, and crowds. In addition, people with agoraphobia often avoid certain activities or places out of fear that they will experience a panic attack or other embarrassing symptoms.

      More: Can Isolation Cause Agoraphobia?

    • Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is an intense fear of social situations. Those with social anxiety disorder often experience feelings of extreme self-consciousness and fear of being judged or embarrassed in public. Common symptoms include blushing, sweating, trembling or shaking, and difficulty speaking.
    • Specific phobias are an intense and irrational fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying. People with specific phobias experience extreme fear when confronted with the object or situation of their fear. Additionally, people may go to great lengths to avoid the objects or situations that trigger their anxiety.
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Common symptoms include flashbacks or nightmares, intense distress when exposed to things that remind the person of their trauma, and avoidance of activities or situations that may trigger memories related to the trauma.

    Therapies We Utilize To Treat Anxiety

    Anxiety treatment in Atlanta typically involves a combination of therapies, medication management, and lifestyle changes. Treatment is tailored to each individual’s needs and could include one or more of the following:

    • Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation provides you with a greater understanding of your symptoms. It also helps to direct your treatment program by identifying which type of anxiety disorder you have.
    • Psychotherapy: Working with a licensed psychotherapist is one of the most effective ways to treat anxiety disorders. That way, you can build your coping skills and discover the root causes of your anxiety. Psychotherapy can occur on a one-on-one basis, in a group setting, or with family members.
    • Genetic Testing: Oftentimes, psychiatric medications are prescribed in a trial-and-error manner because everyone responds differently to medications. However, genetic testing helps your psychiatrist find medications that are more likely to work well for you and your symptoms.
    • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Substance use disorders often co-occur with mental health disorders like anxiety. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders.
    • Nutritional Services: Poor nutrition can lead to a decline in physical health, causing fatigue, restlessness, and mood swings. Our nutritional services can help you improve your diet and reduce some of the physical symptoms that accompany anxiety.
    • TMS Therapy: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option for a variety of mental health disorders, including anxiety. During TMS therapy for anxiety, magnetic pulses stimulate specific parts of the brain to reduce mental health symptoms.
    • Ketamine Therapy: While antidepressants typically treat depressive disorders, they can also help those with anxiety or mixed depression/anxiety disorders. The anesthetic drug ketamine (Spravato/esketamine) can work as an antidepressant in subanesthetic doses. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to take effect, ketamine for anxiety can alleviate symptoms within hours or days.

    During a patient’s initial consultation, a psychiatric evaluation is performed to assess the patient’s needs. This helps the psychiatrist develop an appropriate treatment plan that best benefits the patient and the type of anxiety being treated.

    Benefits of Outpatient Anxiety Treatment in Atlanta

    Outpatient anxiety treatment in Atlanta offers flexibility and convenience, allowing individuals to maintain their daily activities while attending therapy sessions or appointments with a psychiatrist. It also allows patients to receive treatment in a safe, supportive, and caring environment while also still receiving support from family and friends, which can be beneficial when navigating difficult emotions related to anxiety disorders.

    Get Help Anxiety with Anxiety Treatment in Atlanta Today

    When you have been living with persistent anxiety, Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry can provide the help you need for a better future. Our psychiatrists and mental health professionals work with you to develop an effective treatment plan so you can start living your life to the fullest. For further information or to schedule an initial consultation, contact us today.

    You are not alone. You deserve to get help.

    Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is an Industry leader in mental health treatment . Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treat and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual.
    Call us today, we're avialable 24/7.

    Meet Our Team

    Dr. Zohaib Haque

    Psychiatrist + Medical Director

    Scarlet Hurtnole

    Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Summer Nelson, CAQ

    Certified Physician Assistant

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      female staff member

      Scarlet Hurtnole

      Primary Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

      Scarlet is a Georgia native who has always known she would like to be a nurse so that she would be able to work with others in need. She attended Georgia College and State University where she graduated with honors with her Masters in Nursing. Scarlet has a diverse background of experience from inpatient crisis stabilization to behavioral health centers where she treated patients across the lifespan. Scarlet’s approach is one that utilizes evidence-based practices with patient safety and the best possible outcomes at the forefront. Her role is to be an active participant and support for whatever goals her patients have for treatment.

      female staff member

      Summer Nelson

      Certified Physician Assistant

      Summer is a Certified Physician Assistant with a background in Cognitive Neuroscience and group counseling in a variety of topics including substance use and emotional regulation. She has been practicing in Psychiatry for two years with a specific interest in Addiction Medicine and Mood Disorders. Summer believes each treatment plan should be tailored to the individual person. Her therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based psychiatric treatments with a keen emphasis on lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep. She encourages her patients to actively participate in their well-being journey, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-discovery.

      Lynn Zyskowski

      Lynn Zyskowski, LAPC

      Therapist

      Lynn is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with a specialty in trauma therapies, including EMDR and TF-CBT. An Atlanta native, Lynn holds a Masters in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Georgia State University and works with adults, children, and adolescents experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder, in addition to a range of mental health challenges. As a CRC, Lynn also has expertise in supporting clients with disabilities. Lynn is a member of EMDRIA and a founding member of the International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling. She employs evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, and solution-focused interventions to assist clients in managing symptoms and gaining a sense of autonomy in their lives.