When worry stops being occasional and starts running the day.
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. An anxiety disorder is different: the fear or worry doesn't let up, it's out of proportion to what's happening, and it gets in the way of work, school, sleep, or relationships. The good news is that anxiety disorders are among the most treatable conditions we see.
What it can look like
- Generalized anxiety: excessive, hard-to-control worry about many things, most days, for months.
- Panic disorder: sudden episodes of intense fear with a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or a feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
- Social anxiety: strong fear of being judged or embarrassed in social or performance situations.
- Specific phobias: intense fear of a particular thing or situation, such as flying or heights, that leads to avoiding it.
Physical symptoms are common: trouble sleeping, muscle tension, stomach upset, sweaty or cold hands, dizziness, and a constant sense of being on edge.
How we treat it
After a thorough evaluation to rule out medical causes, treatment usually combines two things. Medication, most often an SSRI antidepressant, and sometimes other options depending on your history. And therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you to recognize and change the thought patterns and behaviors that keep anxiety going. Many patients do best with both, and we coordinate closely with your therapist on one plan.
Common questions
How do I know if it's anxiety or just stress?
Stress usually has a cause and eases when the situation does. An anxiety disorder keeps going, feels out of proportion to what's happening, and starts to affect sleep, work, school, or relationships for weeks or months. If you're asking the question, an evaluation is worth it. Many people are relieved to learn how treatable it is.
Do I have to take medication for anxiety?
No. Treatment is a conversation, not a prescription you're handed at the door. Some people do well with therapy alone, some with medication alone, and many with both. When medication makes sense we usually start with an SSRI-type antidepressant at a low dose, explain what to expect, and follow up closely in the first weeks.
Can a panic attack be dangerous?
A panic attack feels terrifying, but it is not a heart attack and it passes, usually within 20 to 30 minutes. Because the symptoms overlap with medical problems, we do rule those out at the first visit. If you ever have chest pain you're unsure about, go to the emergency room; it is always the right call.
Do you treat anxiety in children and teens?
Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common conditions we see in kids and teens, and it often shows up as stomachaches, school refusal, trouble sleeping, or irritability rather than worry they can put into words. Dr. Shaikh is fellowship-trained in child and adolescent psychiatry, and a parent or guardian joins every visit.
What should I expect at the first appointment?
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes. We'll talk through what's been happening, your medical and family history, anything you've tried before, and what you're hoping changes. You'll leave with a diagnosis, if one fits, and a plan you helped choose. Call or text (936) 270-8011 to get started.