Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a health disorder that causes persistent worry and uneasiness. It can be a significant disruptor to productivity in school and work, and it can hold you back from socializing or engaging in activities you enjoy. 

Generalized anxiety disorder is the broadest and most common type, but anxiety can present in many ways. Some anxieties, called phobias, are based on specific objects or situations. Additionally, people who experience anxiety may also struggle with panic attacks, which occur when your body’s fight-or-flight system is kicked into overdrive by innocuous triggers. 

At Optimal Performance Medicine, the team can diagnose your anxiety and treat you with individualized care. Anxiety often coexists with depression, and you can get the care you need for any and all diagnoses simultaneously. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms can vary based on the severity of your condition and the type of anxiety you have. Many people are surprised to find that anxiety has physical symptoms in addition to psychological symptoms. You might experience:

• Worry
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Sleep problems
• Feeling on-edge
• Sweaty palms
• A racing heart
• Trembling
• Headaches
• Stomach aches

Some people with anxiety experience anxiety attacks, which involve an acute uptick in your symptoms. Your provider at Optimal Performance Medicine can work with you to prevent anxiety and panic attacks.

How is anxiety diagnosed?

Anxiety is diagnosed through a comprehensive health assessment. The team at Optimal Performance Medicine might also use a physical examination and possible blood testing to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. 

How is anxiety treated?

Anxiety is best treated with a personalized care plan that accounts for your needs. After they diagnose your condition, the Optimal Performance Medicine team recommends one or more of the following anxiety treatment strategies:

Natural Supplements

Dr. Skardasis and his team will recommend natural vitamins and minerals to assist with your healing.

Medications

Anti-anxiety medications help regulate your brain chemistry to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing enables you and Dr. Skardasis to learn how you metabolize different medications used in the treatment of anxiety. This is useful because individuals metabolize medications differently.

These tests are performed when an initial medication for anxiety has not worked. The test involves a cheek swab that is sent off for testing. Once the results are back, Dr. Skardasis and his team will review them with you and pick the most appropriate therapy for you based on your personalized genetic makeup. 

This is personalized medicine, which is not one-size-fits-all like most other clinics.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a valuable tool for treating anxiety and can be personalized according to your needs. 

Lifestyle changes

Changing some of your habits may lead to better outcomes for your anxiety. Your provider might recommend getting more exercise or cutting down on caffeine, for example. 

If you experience anxiety symptoms and would like to schedule an evaluation, call Optimal Performance Medicine or book an appointment online today.