Anxiety Treatment Clinic in Alpharetta, GA

Physical symptoms like headaches, trembling, feeling easily startled, increased heart rate variability (HRV), reduced parasympathetic nervous system function, lowered immune system response, digestive problems, and skin problems like eczema, and psoriasis could also be signs of an anxiety disorder. Our team is trained to identify these symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options.

Excessive worrying that is persistent and out of proportion to the situation, leads to feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed. This type of worry can often interfere with your daily life and is a key symptom that our medical professionals at Crabapple Medical Center look out for.

Physical signs of anxiety can include a racing heart, chest tightness or pain, excessive sweating, muscle tension or pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, insomnia, or trouble sleeping. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it may be indicative of anxiety, and we recommend seeking help from our healthcare professionals.

Emotional and cognitive signs of anxiety can manifest as irritability, catastrophic thinking, negative self-talk, rumination, black-and-white thinking, and perfectionism. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, it may be time to book an appointment with our mental health professionals at Crabapple Medical Center.

Behavioral signs such as restlessness, avoidance of social situations, substance use, and ritualistic behaviors are also indicative of anxiety. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to help manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate, or make decisions, or you’re experiencing sleep issues, these could also be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Don’t wait until these issues interfere with your work, school, or daily activities. Get in touch with Dr. Ramla Sharif, MD at Crabapple Medical Center for professional help.

Anxiety often originates from distorted thinking patterns, known as cognitive distortions like catastrophic thinking or perfectionism. These distortions can amplify negative thoughts and trigger a sense of extreme stress. Furthermore, certain behaviors such as avoidance or excessive reassurance-seeking can exacerbate and prolong anxiety. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the nature and triggers of anxiety for effective management, which can include stress, trauma, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.

At Crabapple Medical Center, we believe in addressing both cognitive and behavioral factors to effectively manage anxiety. Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and correcting negative thought patterns. By replacing distorted thoughts with more balanced ones, we can help individuals reduce anxiety levels. Behavioral therapy targets behaviors that contribute to anxiety, using techniques like exposure therapy to help patients gradually confront feared situations and cope with the discomfort.

Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing can help calm the mind and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. We encourage patients to stay present and to set aside time each day for mindfulness practice. We also offer relaxation techniques, like progressive muscle relaxation or yoga, to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Lifestyle modifications are a significant part of our anxiety management program. We recommend regular physical activity, a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and ensuring adequate sleep. These changes can help regulate mood and energy levels, reduce feelings of anxiety, and make stress easier to manage.

In some instances, medication may be necessary to manage severe anxiety. Our healthcare professionals can prescribe anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines or buspirone, for temporary relief from anxiety symptoms. We ensure the safe and effective use of medication under professional guidance.

If anxiety persists or interferes with daily life, we urge you to seek professional help at Crabapple Medical Center. Our team can provide a range of treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and other therapies that can help manage anxiety effectively.

We recognize that one of the most prevalent triggers of anxiety is stress, possibly due to work, school, family issues, financial worries, or even minor daily tasks. Major life changes, such as job loss, divorce, financial problems, or bereavement, can also initiate anxiety. Our medical team is here to support you when stress accumulates, leading to an anxious state.

In addition, trauma, whether experienced in childhood or adulthood, can also lead to anxiety. Complex medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems or any chronic disease, certain medications, substance use and withdrawal, and other mental health disorders such as depression can also contribute to anxiety. Our knowledgeable staff are well-equipped to address these triggers and provide appropriate treatment.

We also understand that personality types and genetics play a role in triggering anxiety. If you have certain personality traits or a close relative with an anxiety disorder, you’re more likely to develop one. Similarly, a lack of support and loneliness can trigger anxiety. We value the importance of a strong support system and emphasize this in our care plans.

Our team has observed that while anxiety disorders may be less prevalent in older adults, they are often underdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with physical illnesses or misconceptions about anxiety being a normal part of aging. Further, we have found that the type of anxiety can change as people age, with older individuals often experiencing anxiety related to health issues or fear of falling, unlike their younger counterparts.

At Crabapple Medical Center, we are equipped to identify and handle triggers for anxiety in older adults. These triggers could include physical health conditions, social isolation, cognitive impairments, financial concerns, and fear of death or decline. We aim to identify these triggers early on and manage them effectively, to prevent the onset of diverse anxiety manifestations like generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, and agoraphobia.

We are acutely aware of the impact unmanaged anxiety can have on the overall well-being of older adults. From difficulty sleeping and reduced appetite to a weakened immune system and social withdrawal, anxiety can profoundly affect an individual’s quality of life.

While aging can bring about changes and challenges that might trigger anxiety, it does not mean that anxiety invariably worsens with age. At Crabapple Medical Center, we are committed to understanding the factors contributing to anxiety in older adults and providing the necessary support and interventions. We encourage anyone with concerns about anxiety to reach out to our team for personalized guidance and support.

At our clinic in Alpharetta, GA, we understand the challenges that anxiety can bring to your daily life. Dr. Ramla Sharif, MD, and our dedicated team offer personalized, compassionate care to help you overcome anxiety and regain control. With our holistic and evidence-based approach, you can expect a customized treatment plan aimed at achieving long-term mental well-being. Take the first step towards feeling better today contact us for more details or schedule your appointment online. We are conveniently located at 282 Rucker Rd #140, Alpharetta, GA 30004. We proudly serve patients from Alpharetta GA, Milton GA, Roswell GA, Johns Creek GA, Marietta GA, Woodstock GA, Canton GA, Cumming GA, and surrounding areas.