Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but that doesn’t mean all anxiety is normal. Prolonged anxiety that interferes with work, school or life could indicate a true anxiety disorder that would benefit from treatment. The mental health providers at Beaufort Memorial can provide extensive psychiatric care for the many anxiety disorders that can impact your life.
Our board-certified primary care providers can refer you for services at Beaufort Memorial Sea Island Psychiatry. Find a provider accepting new patients.
Excessive anxiety, fear or worry for six months could be generalized anxiety disorder, a condition in which when the brain doesn’t process stressors and environmental issues like it should. Symptoms include:
However, generalized anxiety disorder is only one type of anxiety disorder. Others include:
Risk factors for anxiety disorders vary, and much remains unknown about why certain people are more affected. But in general, some risk factors are:
Psychiatric care can help treat anxiety disorders. At Beaufort Memorial, our providers first conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether your anxiety could stem from untreated or poorly controlled physical health conditions. They also review your history of anxiety treatments and look for any co-occurring psychiatric issues, such as depression, to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Sometimes, treating anxiety requires multiple approaches. You may be prescribed medication, such as antidepressants, beta blockers and benzodiazepines. Our providers may also refer you for cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you reframe your thinking, and/or exposure therapy, which can teach you to face your fears head on. Learning healthy stress management techniques can also help some people.