Anxiety Disorders and OCD
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Excessive, hard-to-control worry about everyday matters — work, health, relationships — often accompanied by restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping.
Panic Disorder Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness — along with ongoing worry about having another attack.
Social Anxiety Disorder Intense fear or avoidance of social situations due to worry about being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated by others.
Specific Phobias A strong, persistent fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., flying, needles, heights) that leads to avoidance and is disproportionate to the actual danger involved.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce distress or prevent a feared outcome. OCD is often under-recognized, and symptoms can be mistaken for general anxiety or perfectionism.
Treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD may include a combination of:
Medication management, when appropriate
Lifestyle and physiological factors- nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress physiology all impact anxiety
Coordination with therapy (e.g., CBT, exposure-based approaches)
Integrative and functional medicine strategies- There are many evidence-based supplements and other holistic treatments which are effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
