Anxiety

About 31% of American adults have an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. At Kema Health Services, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Josyane Kengni, PMHNP, and the other specialists offer complete mental health care for anxiety disorders. With psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, medication management, or a blend of approaches, you can control your anxiety and enjoy a much better quality of life. Appointments are available in the Frederick, Maryland, office and throughout Maryland via telehealth. Call the office or click the online booking feature to schedule an appointment.

What is an anxiety disorder? 

Everyone experiences anxiety sometimes, but in most cases, anxiety goes away after the situation that triggered it passes. 

Anxiety disorders occur when worry, fear, nervousness, or dread take over and disrupt your normal daily life. With an anxiety disorder, the anxiety doesn’t resolve normally. Or, once the anxiety goes away, it’s quickly replaced by anxiety about something else.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including: 

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Specific phobias
• Agoraphobia
• Social anxiety disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Selective mutism

Specific phobias are the most common anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can occur at any age, but the specific disorders can vary by age. For example, separation anxiety disorder is more common in children, while generalized anxiety disorder is more common in adults. 

What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorder symptoms vary with the specific diagnosis, but many people experience problems such as: 

• Uneasiness
• Nervousness
• Panic
• Unwanted thoughts
• Muscle tension
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Profuse sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Trembling
• Too-rapid breathing
• Sleep problems

Many people who have anxiety disorders go out of their way to avoid people, places, and things that might trigger their anxiety. This can lead to increasing isolation. 

Is anxiety treatable?

Yes, anxiety is treatable, but you need professional help to take control of your anxiety disorder. At Kema Health Services, you can get expert support for your anxiety. The main treatment approaches for anxiety disorders include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy includes a broad range of support types, but cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for people with anxiety disorders. CBT helps you discover the factors that trigger your anxiety and gives you effective tools to manage and prevent it.

Medication 

In some cases, anxiety disorders may require medication. There are a variety of medications for anxiety, some of which are the same as those used for depression (antidepressants). Other anxiety medications, like buspirone, are specifically prescribed for anxiety disorders.

Additional treatment options, such as medical marijuana, may also be available to help manage your anxiety disorder.

Kema Health Services offers in-office anxiety care (including walk-in appointments as needed) and telehealth appointments to patients in Maryland. 

You can overcome anxiety and experience joy in your life again. Call Kema Health Services or book an appointment online today.