Anxiety Disorders

It’s not unusual to be anxious in certain situations — like job interviews, trying something new or having a tough conversation with someone. But if your anxiety is affecting your daily life in ways that make even the simplest tasks more difficult, that’s not a good thing. Our specialists will get to the root of what’s causing your anxiety so they can provide the best, most personalized treatment options.

Types of anxiety disorders

There are many types of anxiety disorders. You might have:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Panic disorder.
• Phobias.
• Social anxiety disorder.
• Separation anxiety disorder.

And although they’re all different, similar things often cause them, like:

• Chemical imbalances from severe or long-term stress.
• Trauma, abuse and financial worries.
• Inherited anxiety passed down from your parents.

We’ll work with you to figure out if you have an anxiety disorder, and if you do, what kind it is and what’s causing it.

What to expect at your first appointment

When you come to see us for the first time, we’ll take things slow so you can relax and feel at ease with us.

We’ll start by asking about your medical history. Then we’ll ask you to tell us about some of the mental and physical stressors you’re faced with that might be causing your anxiety to surface. We’ll take your vital signs and always keep in mind medical conditions that could be contributing to your anxiety.

If we confirm that a physical condition isn’t causing your symptoms, we may have you see a psychiatrist, psychologist or another behavioral health specialist. These mental health experts will dive deeper into your symptoms to find out:

• How bad your symptoms are and how long they last.
• How your symptoms interfere with your day-to-day life.
• If your attitudes and behavior point to an anxiety disorder.

Meet Our Anxiety Disorder Team

At Cleveland Clinic, you’ll have a team of specialists who’ll work with you to find answers and treat your anxiety disorder. Your team might include:

• Psychologists.
• Psychiatrists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Therapists.
• Social workers.

Along with these mental health providers, your team may include specialists from many different areas depending on your specific health needs. And we’ll always work closely with your primary care physician (PCP). We’ll talk with them regularly throughout your treatment and let them know how you’re doing.

It’s important to know that no one on your care team will ever share private information that we discuss during your therapy sessions. Your right to privacy and confidentiality is highly respected and strongly protected at Cleveland Clinic.

There are many ways to treat anxiety disorders. But it’s important to know that it can take time. Treatment could take months, years or even a lifetime of continued therapy. The goal of therapy is to help you better manage your anxiety before it gets out of control.

Medications

Anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines can work to relieve anxiety, panic or worry. Antidepressants can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Beta-blockers, typically used to treat high blood pressure, can help physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heartbeat, shaking and trembling.

You may need to take some of these medications daily, while you can take others as needed. And remember, medications are like puzzle pieces. You might have to try several to see which are the best fit for you. Your provider will help you find the right combination and dosage.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common type of psychotherapy (talk therapy). It helps you recognize what triggers your anxiety and develop coping strategies for responding to those triggers. It can also help you find other helpful solutions for managing your anxiety before it becomes too much to handle.

If you have a phobia or social anxiety disorder, exposure therapy, a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, might be an option. This therapy gradually exposes you to activities and situations you’re afraid of, so you get more comfortable when faced with them.

Other types of psychotherapy that may help relieve anxiety include:

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): This therapy helps you build skills to control your emotions and navigate social situations.
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT): This therapy focuses on building skills to meet your goals and cope with everyday challenges.

Coping strategies

Along with other treatments, your provider may recommend ways to cope with your anxiety, like:

• Learning how to manage stress.
• Joining a support group.
• Pet therapy.
• Music therapy.
• Art therapy.
• Learning more about your specific anxiety disorder.
• Limiting or avoiding caffeine.
• Talking to your healthcare provider if you feel treatment isn’t working.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Sometimes it might be a good idea to get help beyond your weekly therapy sessions. Our Intensive Outpatient (IOP) program might be an option. In addition to one-on-one care, you’ll also have group therapy, where you can talk with others who also have anxiety disorders like yours. Our IOP lasts four to six weeks, and you’ll usually attend four days a week, for three-and-a-half hours each day.

Follow-Up Care

For some people, anxiety may never fully go away, but with the consistent help of our behavioral health specialists, we can at least get you to a place where you feel confident and capable of managing whatever kind of anxiety you have.

Taking the Next Step

A little bit of anxiety can be a good thing. But when it starts to take over your thoughts and hold you back from enjoying life, you need to find ways to dial it down. Cleveland Clinic’s anxiety disorder experts will help you find the best, most calming and comfortable path forward. And while you may have peaks and valleys along the way, remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone. We’re here to lift you up and walk with you every step of the way.