Anxiety

Do you feel anxious in situations that don’t bother many other people? If so, an anxiety disorder may be why. At DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC in Oak Park, Skokie, Hinsdale, and Wheaton, Illinois, the experienced behavioral health team offers anxiety treatments that help you overcome ongoing fear and worry and live life to its fullest. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation by phone or request one online today.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common disorder that affects your mental health. It’s characterized by extreme anxious feelings or ongoing fear in everyday situations, such as going to parties or being in small enclosed spaces. Treatment can help you overcome bothersome symptoms of anxiety or any other mental health challenges.

Which symptoms can anxiety cause?

Anxiety disorders can cause the following symptoms:

• Nervousness
• Sense of impending doom or danger
• Restlessness
• Feeling tense
• Racing heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Panic attacks
• Raid breathing
• Fatigue
• Problems sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Gastrointestinal issues

You may struggle to control fear or worry despite wanting to or avoid anxiety triggers, such as driving or even leaving your house.

What are the different types of anxiety?

Anxiety presents in various forms, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety is characterized by persistent or excessive anxious feelings during ordinary situations. 

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes you to avoid being in situations that cause panic. 

Medical condition-induced anxiety

Anxiety can also appear because of a medical condition, particularly one that’s life-threatening. 

Panic disorder

Panic disorder can cause intense fear and even difficulty breathing (panic attacks) because of being scared in situations that don’t bother most other people. 

Phobias

Phobias are extreme fears of something specific and the avoidance of the things causing you stress. Phobias can lead to panic attacks. 

Selective mutism

People with selective mutism don’t speak to certain people or when in specific situations. This condition is more common among children. 

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear and worry when in social situations, especially in larger social gatherings. 

Substance-induced anxiety disorder

Misusing drugs or alcohol can cause anxiety related to ingesting toxic substances or withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit.

How is anxiety diagnosed?

Diagnosing anxiety consists of a mental health evaluation with a licensed therapist at DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC. Your specialist discusses your symptoms, lifestyle, medications, medical history, and desired outcomes.

DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC offers GeneSight® genetic testing to determine which medications are likely best for your genetic makeup. 

How is anxiety treated?

Treating anxiety often consists of one or more of the following:

• Psychotherapy
• Oral medications  
• Lifestyle counseling
• Stress reduction techniques 

DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC also offers intravenous (IV) ketamine, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and Spravato® nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, as depression and anxiety often appear together.

Your specialist might meet with you weekly for about an hour for therapy sessions to teach you ways to overcome troublesome symptoms of anxiety disorders. You can meet with your therapist in the DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC office or virtually from your home.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth anxiety consultation at DuPage Psychiatric Care PLLC by phone or request one online today.