When anxiety becomes more than stress
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. Anxiety becomes a problem when it is persistent, out of proportion to the situation, or starts to shape your choices by keeping you from sleeping, working, going to school or doing things you care about.
- Constant worry that's hard to turn off
- Panic attacks: a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness or a sense of doom
- Avoiding social situations, school, driving or other everyday activities
- Muscle tension, headaches, stomach problems or trouble sleeping
- In children: frequent stomachaches, clinginess, school refusal or meltdowns before new situations
We treat generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, separation anxiety in children, health anxiety and anxiety that occurs alongside ADHD, depression or trauma.
A whole-person approach
At Joy Integrative Psychiatry, the evaluation looks beyond a symptom checklist. We consider how anxiety shows up in your body and thoughts, caffeine and substance use, thyroid and other medical factors, and medications that can worsen anxiety, along with sleep, stress, physical health, current medications and what's happening at home, school or work. That fuller picture helps separate the true drivers of symptoms from things that simply look similar, and it leads to a plan that fits your life.
What treatment may include
- Evidence-based medication when appropriate. Many effective options for anxiety are not habit-forming.
- Coordination with therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the best-studied treatments for anxiety
- Sleep and lifestyle support, since poor sleep and anxiety feed each other
- Regular follow-up to adjust the plan as you improve
A note on benzodiazepines
Medications like alprazolam or clonazepam can relieve anxiety quickly but carry risks of dependence and are generally not first-line for ongoing anxiety. When they're considered, it's with caution, usually short-term, and in line with federal and Arizona prescribing requirements.
Common questions
Do I need medication for anxiety?
Not always. Some people do well with therapy and lifestyle changes alone. Medication can help when anxiety is moderate to severe, persistent, or getting in the way of therapy. We'll talk through the options together.
Can you treat anxiety in children?
Yes. We treat anxiety in children 6 and older, with parents involved and coordination with therapists and schools when helpful.
How long before anxiety medication works?
Many first-line anxiety medications take several weeks to reach full effect. We'll check in regularly during that time and adjust if needed.