Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders services offered in Denver and Wheat Ridge, CO

Anxiety disorders affect nearly one-third of adolescents and 19% of adults, and if you struggle with anxiety, you’re two to three times more likely to have an addiction compared to people who don’t have an anxiety disorder. At Magnolia Medical Group, you have access to a team of physicians, mental health professionals, and addiction specialists with extensive experience treating co-occurring disorders like anxiety. You can depend on getting personalized care for all your mental health needs at Magnolia Medical Group. Call their office in Denver or Wheat Ridge, Colorado, today or use online booking to request an in-office or telehealth appointment.

What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders develop when your feelings of fear and dread become so severe and persistent they permeate and negatively affect your daily life.

You may feel too anxious to leave home or attend a crowded event. Or you may avoid the places and people who trigger your anxiety, even if that means missing work or losing time with family and friends.

Many people with anxiety disorders have uncomfortable feelings even when they don’t face an anxiety-producing situation.

There are several anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Nearly constant worry over everyday issues
Social anxiety disorder: Fear of social situations, meeting new people, or needing to perform
Separation anxiety disorder: Severe anxiety when you’re apart from loved ones
Panic disorder: Unexpected and recurrent panic attacks
Agoraphobia: Intense fear of leaving home (or places where you feel safe) or situations you can’t leave

Any of these can occur together with substance abuse and addictions.

Are anxiety disorders connected with substance use?

Anxiety disorders cause such intense emotions, feelings, and behaviors that many people try to ease their symptoms with alcohol and drugs that release the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Unfortunately, alcohol and drugs also alter your brain chemistry and lead to substance abuse and addiction.

At the same time, people with an existing addiction often feel anxious and on edge. Some drugs cause anxiety because of their effect on your brain and body; others can trigger an unexpected anxiety disorder weeks after you stop taking them.

What symptoms do anxiety disorders cause?

In addition to the challenges of each specific disorder, anxiety causes:

Relentless worry
Nervousness or restlessness
Difficulty concentrating
Problems sleeping
Nausea and stomach aches
Muscle tightness
Racing heartbeat
Sense of impending doom or danger

An anxiety disorder could also lead to a panic attack, causing dizziness, sweating, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Your Magnolia Medical Group provider may prescribe antidepressants, which help ease anxiety even if you don’t feel depressed. However, anti-anxiety medications, benzodiazepines, can lead to dependence or a benzodiazepine addiction. As a result, your provider may not recommend them unless you have panic disorder.

Many people with anxiety disorders don’t need medication because several talk therapies effectively treat anxiety.

Call Magnolia Medical Group or go online today to request an in-person or telehealth appointment and learn more about their personalized treatment for anxiety disorders.