What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes excessive, persistent, or interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the United States, affecting more than 40 million adults each year.
The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable, and most people achieve significant relief with proper care.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characteristics:
- Excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday topics (work, health, finances)
- Anxiety present most days for at least 6 months
- Physical symptoms: muscle tension, restlessness, fatigue, irritability
Common Thoughts: “What if something bad happens?” “I can’t stop worrying.”
Panic Disorder
Characteristics:
- Sudden, unexpected panic attacks
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Fear of future panic attacks
- Avoidance of places where panic has occurred
Common Thoughts: “I’m having a heart attack.” “I’m going to lose control.”
Social Anxiety Disorder
Characteristics:
- Intense fear of social or performance situations
- Avoidance of social interactions, presentations, or meeting new people
- Physical symptoms: sweating, trembling, blushing
Common Thoughts: “Everyone is judging me.” “I’m going to embarrass myself.”
Specific Phobias
Characteristics:
- Strong, irrational fear of specific objects or situations
- Common phobias: heights, flying, animals, blood, or enclosed spaces
- Immediate anxiety response upon exposure
Impact: Avoidance that interferes with daily functioning.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Characteristics:
- Develops after trauma or witnessing traumatic events
- Flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories
- Avoidance of triggers and hypervigilance
See our dedicated PTSD article for more details.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Characteristics:
- Intrusive thoughts (obsessions)
- Repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions)
- Time-consuming patterns that interfere with life
- Awareness that thoughts/behaviors are excessive
Common Anxiety Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea
- Dizziness or headaches
- Muscle tension or trembling
- Sweating, chills, tingling
Emotional Symptoms
- Persistent worry or dread
- Feeling on edge or irritated
- Sense of impending danger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling detached or “not present”
Behavioral Symptoms
- Avoidance of feared situations
- Procrastination due to anxiety
- Decision-making difficulties
- Reassurance-seeking
- Social withdrawal
- Compulsive behaviors
What Causes Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders result from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Biological Factors
- Genetics (2–6x higher risk with family history)
- Neurotransmitter imbalances (serotonin, GABA, norepinephrine)
- Chronic medical conditions
- Substance use, withdrawal, or stimulant overuse
Psychological Factors
- Perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty
- Learned fear responses
- Catastrophic or overestimated threat thinking
- Trauma history
Environmental Factors
- Chronic stress (work, finances, relationships)
- Major life transitions or losses
- Social isolation
- Cultural beliefs about anxiety
Professional Treatment for Anxiety
Medication Management
As a PMHNP, I provide evidence-based medication treatment for anxiety disorders.
First-Line Medications: SSRIs
- Sertraline
- Escitalopram
- Paroxetine
- Fluoxetine
Benefits: Effective for most anxiety disorders, low dependence risk
Timeline: 4–6 weeks for full benefit
SNRIs
- Venlafaxine
- Duloxetine
Benefits: Helpful for GAD, panic, and anxiety + pain
Timeline: 4–6 weeks
As-Needed Medications
Benzodiazepines
(Short-term, cautious use)
- Alprazolam
- Lorazepam
- Clonazepam
Benefits: Rapid relief
Cautions: Dependence risk
Beta-blockers
- Propranolol
Useful for performance anxiety (public speaking, interviews).
Other Options:
- Buspirone
- Hydroxyzine
- Gabapentin (off-label)
Psychotherapy
I collaborate with therapists who provide:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Gold standard treatment
- Restructures anxious thoughts
- Includes exposure therapy for avoidance
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Mindfulness + values-based action
- Helps reduce struggle with anxious thoughts
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Primary treatment for OCD
- Gradual exposure + stopping compulsions
Combined Treatment
Research shows the best outcomes occur with medication + therapy, especially for moderate or severe anxiety.
When to Seek Professional Help
Seek help if:
- Anxiety interferes with work, school, or relationships
- You’re avoiding important activities
- Physical symptoms are persistent or scary
- You rely on substances to cope
- Anxiety has lasted >6 months
- You experience panic attacks
- Self-help hasn’t been effective
- Your quality of life is suffering
Your First Appointment: What to Expect
Comprehensive Evaluation
During our initial 60-minute session, we’ll cover:
- Current symptoms and triggers
- Impact on daily functioning
- Medical and mental health history
- Substance use
- Trauma history
- Your goals and priorities
Personalized Treatment Plan
This may include:
- Medication recommendations
- Therapy referrals
- Lifestyle modifications
- Anxiety management tools
- Follow-up schedule
- Crisis plan
Self-Management Strategies
Immediate Relief Tools
4-7-8 Breathing
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Lifestyle Modifications
- 30 minutes of movement daily
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Consistent sleep schedule
- Balanced meals
- Mindfulness/meditation
Cognitive Techniques
- Challenge catastrophic thoughts
- Practice self-compassion
- Reduce reassurance-seeking
- Schedule “worry time”
Anxiety Treatment via Telehealth
At Aegis Behavioral Health Group, I offer telehealth-based psychiatric care for anxiety across Delaware and Hawaii.
Benefits of Telehealth
- Reduced anxiety (no travel)
- Convenient and private
- Easy to maintain consistent care
- Proven to be equally effective as in-person treatment
Insurance Coverage
Delaware
- Highmark BCBS
- Aetna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Medicare
- Medicaid
Hawaii
- HMSA
- UHA
- UnitedHealthcare
- Medicare
- QUEST (Medicaid)
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to live with anxiety alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available.
Schedule a Consultation:
Delaware: (302) 592-3780
Hawaii: (808) 746-3664
Email: admin@aegisbhg.com
Evening and weekend appointments available.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right combination of therapy, medication, and supportive strategies, most people experience significant improvement and regain control of their lives.
Seeking help is a sign of strength — not weakness.
About the Author
Jason Eala, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. He provides evidence-based psychiatric care via telehealth in Delaware and Hawaii.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Contact a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Crisis Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Text “HELLO” to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
- SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
