Conditions Treated

Life can feel heavy sometimes—when worries pile up, responsibilities become overwhelming, or the future feels uncertain. If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts were racing or your heart was pounding for no clear reason, you’re not alone.

Many people struggle silently with anxiety, unsure of how to explain what they’re feeling or where to turn for help. But understanding anxiety is the first step toward managing it—and discovering that peace, clarity, and confidence are possible.

Anxiety doesn’t define you—hope and healing are within reach.

When we hear the word “anxiety,” we often think of feeling stressed or overwhelmed. In reality, anxiety is a natural response—our body’s way of alerting us to potential danger. Without it, we wouldn’t react to threats, and our survival instincts wouldn’t exist.

However, in today’s world, our minds sometimes interpret everyday challenges as threats, even when they aren’t. This can lead to excessive worry and persistent fear that disrupts daily life. While everyone experiences anxiety at some point—before a big presentation, during a major life transition, or in an unfamiliar social setting—some people feel its effects much more intensely and frequently.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions worldwide. Approximately 19% of adults in the U.S. struggle with anxiety every day. But having anxiety does not mean you are weak. With the right care, support, and treatment, you can learn to manage anxiety effectively and lead a fulfilling life.

Recognizing Anxiety in Yourself

Anxiety manifests in different ways, including physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. You may be experiencing anxiety if you frequently:

Physical:

• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Sweating, trembling, or shortness of breath
• Digestive issues like nausea or stomach pain
• Trouble sleeping or frequent fatigue

Emotional:

• Feeling restless, on edge, or easily overwhelmed
• Persistent worry or excessive overthinking
• A sense of dread or impending doom
• Engaging in repetitive thoughts or behaviors

Behavioral:

• Avoiding certain situations out of fear
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Overanalyzing past or future event

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may be classified as an anxiety disorder. Affecting millions of people, anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, yet it often goes unrecognized or untreated. Anxiety can manifest in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and phobias. Each type presents unique challenges, but all share a common thread of excessive fear or worry.

Anxiety is not just a mental experience—it also affects the body. It triggers the “fight-or-flight” response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response can be helpful in true danger, persistent anxiety keeps the body in a heightened state of stress, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion over time.

Anxiety disorders affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. In the U.S. alone, approximately 40 million adults experience anxiety each year. Despite its prevalence, only about 37% of those struggling seek treatment. Knowing that others face similar challenges can be reassuring and a reminder that help is available.

Treatment Options for Anxiety

At Avance Psychiatry, we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating anxiety. Our integrated health model considers your unique needs and lifestyle to develop the best treatment plan for you. Various options and methods considered for each patient.

• Medication: Medication treatment for anxiety disorders is generally safe and effective, often used alongside therapy. Depending on symptom severity, medication may be a short-term or long-term option. The four major classes of medications used for anxiety disorders include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Benzodiazepines, and Tricyclic Antidepressants.
• Ketamine IV Infusions: For hard-to-treat cases of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Ketamine IV infusions have shown great success. Unlike traditional SSRIs or SNRIs, which can take weeks to months to take effect, the benefits of Ketamine can often be felt within 24 hours. This option is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe symptoms who need rapid relief.
• Psychotherapy: Therapy is often used alone or in combination with medications to treat anxiety disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches, helping patients identify and work through the factors triggering anxiety. Relaxation exercises and mindfulness techniques are also integrated to help reduce anxiety levels.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques, mindfulness, exercise, and dietary changes can support overall well-being and complement traditional treatment methods.
• Collaborative Care: Our specialists work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to your mental health.