Combating Anxiety in Adult Psychiatry

Adult psychiatry is available to address mental conditions or disorders that affect a person's mood, thoughts, and behaviors. One of these conditions is anxiety. While it is normal to experience this emotion, it becomes an issue and possibly a disorder if it occurs frequently or the bouts become uncontrollable and cause physical signs of distress.

What is adult psychiatry?

Simply put, adult psychiatry addresses the 300 possible mental disorders in individuals over the age of 18. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, or MD, who solely focuses on identifying, preventing, treating, and managing one of these disorders. After completing a four-year degree from an accredited university or college, they must do the same at medical school. Once medical school is complete, they spend a few years receiving extensive training and gaining hands-on experience treating patients in a hospital setting.

What is an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety can include a feeling of fear, dread, or uneasiness. As previously stated, there will be times when everyone experiences a sense or bout of anxiety. This is normal. It is also normal for anxiety to affect everyone in different ways. One may experience a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and the feeling of wanting to flee a situation. However, experiencing these symptoms once or twice or in situations that call for it does not mean an individual has a disorder.

There are multiple forms of anxiety disorders, with some sharing symptoms. Each disorder requires adult psychiatry, as tackling it by oneself can do more damage than good. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes seven types of anxiety disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is found in those who excessively worry about day-to-day tasks and do so for over six consecutive months. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) estimates that about 6.8 million, or 3.1%, of Americans have been diagnosed with this condition.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder is one of the most severe anxiety disorders. It occurs when anxious feelings trigger a panic attack. Panic attacks occur suddenly and are feelings of a deep sense of fear or dread that can last several minutes. They can cause severe physical symptoms that result in a visit to the hospital. According to the ADAA, about six million adults in the United States are currently diagnosed with panic disorder.

Selective mutism

Though more commonly seen in children, selective mutism can show up in adults who have experienced a traumatic event or have a mental impairment. The condition goes beyond being shy or considering oneself an introvert. When the individual goes to speak, anxiety in their brain causes them to shut down involuntarily in some situations but speak freely in others.

Separation anxiety disorder

Dreading or excessively worrying about being separated from a loved one is a strong indicator of separation anxiety disorder. When one becomes clingy to the point of crossing other boundaries to keep themselves calm, they likely have this condition. The condition can interfere with an individual's daily activities and inhibit them from completing tasks.

Social anxiety disorder

When anxiety forms at the thought of socializing with others or going into public spaces, it often results in someone withdrawing from social situations altogether. The APA estimates that 7% of adults in the U.S. are currently diagnosed with this condition.

Specific phobias

Phobias go far beyond fearing an object, person, or circumstance. If confronted with the trigger of their anxiety, they experience physical symptoms of stress, even resulting in panic attacks. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 12.5% of adults are diagnosed with a phobia at some point in their lives.

Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder

When a substance causes anxiety disorder symptoms, it may be considered a "substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder." Typically, these symptoms include panic, excessive worry, or restlessness. They may arise when the individual begins taking the substance or after they stop taking it and experience withdrawals. 

Adult psychiatry treatments for anxiety

Fortunately, with adult psychiatry, anxiety disorders can be managed. Depending on the type of anxiety the patient has and its severity, the psychiatrist will introduce:

• Psychotherapy. Includes challenging the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions surrounding the source of anxiety, using various forms of talk therapy.
• Medication. Combined with psychotherapy, medication is usually prescribed to alter brain chemistry and address the physical symptoms of an anxiety attack.
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation. A noninvasive procedure that stimulates small electrical impulses in the area of the brain causing anxiety, effectively changing its chemistry.

Consult a psychiatrist in the Myrtle Beach area

The National Alliance of Mental Illness, or NAMI, reports that there are 40 million people in the U.S. alone living with an anxiety disorder. If you believe you or a loved one are part of the 19.1%, reach out to our Myrtle Beach office for adult psychiatry. We strive to help patients manage their anxiety and live fuller, less stressful lives.

Request an appointment here: https://mb.futurepsychsolutions.com or call Future Psych Ketamine Clinics at (843) 788-9718 for an appointment in our Myrtle Beach office.

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