Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, persistent and excessive anxiety can interfere with daily functioning and well-being. At Axon Integrative Health in Denver, Colorado, our team of experienced doctors is dedicated to providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for individuals experiencing anxiety. In this article, we will explore the nature of anxiety, its causes, and the various treatment options available.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, characterized by feelings of fear, apprehension, or worry. It can manifest in various ways, such as physical symptoms, negative thoughts, or changes in behavior. Anxiety becomes a concern when it is chronic, excessive, or disproportionate to the situation, leading to significant distress or impairment in daily life.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
• Panic Disorder: Involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Marked by a persistent fear of social situations and fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others.
• Specific Phobias: Involve intense and irrational fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, animals, or flying.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also closely related to anxiety disorders and can present with similar symptoms.

Causes

Anxiety can result from a combination of factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders can increase the risk of developing anxiety.
• Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, may contribute to anxiety symptoms.
• Personality traits: Individuals with certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem, may be more prone to anxiety.
• Environmental factors: Stressful life events, trauma, or prolonged exposure to stress can trigger or exacerbate anxiety.
• Physical health: Chronic medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, or side effects from medications can also lead to anxiety symptoms.

Diagnosis of Anxiety

At Axon Integrative Health, our doctors will conduct a thorough assessment to diagnose anxiety and rule out other potential causes of symptoms. This process may include:

• A detailed review of your medical history, including information about your symptoms, their duration, and their impact on your daily life
• A physical examination to identify any underlying medical issues
• A psychological evaluation to assess your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
• The use of standardized questionnaires or clinical interviews to gather additional information

Treatment Options for Anxiety

At Axon Integrative Health, we offer personalized, evidence-based treatment approaches for individuals experiencing anxiety. Depending on your specific needs, treatment options may include:

• Neuromodulation: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) 
• Neurofeedback therapy (NFB)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication management: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to help alleviate depressive symptoms however, we work to make you not reliant on medications. We work with your prescribing physician to taper you off medications
• Lifestyle modifications: Implementing healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, proper sleep hygiene, and balanced nutrition, can help improve overall mental health and reduce depressive symptoms.
• Mindfulness and stress management techniques: Learning and practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help individuals manage anxiety more effectively.
• Group therapy and support groups: Participating in group therapy or support groups can provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, learn from others, and build a network of support.
• Family therapy and education: Anxiety can affect not only the individual but also their family and loved ones. Family therapy and education can help families better understand and support their loved ones experiencing anxiety.
• Complementary and alternative therapies: In some cases, complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, functional movement, sensory motor integration, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV infusions, may also be recommended to support overall well-being and improve depressive symptoms.

Preventing Anxiety

While it may not be possible to completely prevent anxiety, certain strategies can help reduce the risk or severity of anxiety symptoms:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep
• Develop effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation
• Build and maintain a strong community network, including friends, family, and mental health professionals
• Seek professional help early if you notice signs of anxiety or have concerns about your mental health

Contact Axon Integrative Health for Anxiety Support

If you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety, the team at Axon Integrative Health in Denver, Colorado, is here to help. Our experienced doctors are committed to providing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for individuals facing anxiety challenges. To schedule a consultation, please call us at (720) 994-2966.