Understanding anxiety.
Anxiety can affect thoughts, the body, sleep, work, relationships and everyday life. Understanding what is happening can make it easier to ask for help.
Anxiety can look different from person to person.
Some people notice constant worry or a mind that will not slow down. Others first notice physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shakiness, sweating, shortness of breath, stomach discomfort, muscle tension or difficulty sleeping. Anxiety can also show up as avoidance, fear of certain situations, difficulty speaking in public or feeling unable to do things you normally want to do.
Why an evaluation matters
Anxiety symptoms can overlap with other mental health conditions and with physical health concerns. A psychiatric evaluation looks at the broader picture, including symptoms, medical history, medications, sleep, substance use, stressors, functioning and other relevant factors.
Treatment is individualized.
Depending on the clinical picture, treatment may include education, psychotherapy, behavioral strategies, medication, coordination with other clinicians or a combination of approaches. Recommendations should make sense to you, and you should have room to ask questions about benefits, risks and alternatives.
When to seek urgent help
If symptoms involve immediate danger, thoughts of suicide or an inability to stay safe, use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine appointment. In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for immediate danger.
You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable.
If anxiety is interfering with your life, it is reasonable to ask for help.
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