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Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders involve more than just temporary worry or fear. For a person living with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can worsen over time. The feelings can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. 

Fortunately, treatments are available that can help manage the symptoms, allowing many people with anxiety disorders to lead fulfilling lives.

Papercut design silhouette illustration of a young boy experiencing anxiety.

Reduce your anxiety

Do you find yourself worrying about everything from World War III to what’s for dinner?

Is relaxing harder for you than solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded?

Do you worry about worrying too much?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing anxiety.

What does Anxiety look like?

Symptoms in children

In children, anxiety often manifests as physical complaints like:

  • headaches

  • stomachaches

  • frequent tantrums 

 

They may also:

  • avoid social situations

  • struggle with separation from caregivers

  • show excessive fear of things like school or being alone 

Symptoms in adults

As adults, anxiety symptoms can evolve into:

  • persistent worry 

  • feelings of tension

  • restlessness

  • difficulty concentrating

 

Adults may also experience physical symptoms such as:

  • a racing heart

  • sweating

  • insomnia

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Without treatment, childhood anxiety often persists into adulthood, leading to challenges in personal relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

What causes anxiety?

Genetic and Biological Factors

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Family History:

Individuals with a family history of anxiety are more likely to develop the disorder themselves due to inherited traits. Genetics can influence the brain's response to stress and fear​.

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Brain Chemistry:

Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, can contribute to anxiety.

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Medical Conditions:

Chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism) can trigger anxiety symptoms. Hormonal changes and chronic pain may also play a role​.

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Environmental and Life Experiences

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Trauma:

Exposure to trauma, especially in childhood, such as abuse or the loss of a loved one, is a major risk factor for developing anxiety later in life.​

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Stressful Life Events:

Ongoing stress from work, financial difficulties, or relationship issues can build up and lead to excessive anxiety. A significant life event, such as a divorce or job loss, may also act as a trigger.

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Psychological Factors

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Personality:

Certain personality traits, such as being overly sensitive or perfectionistic, can increase vulnerability to anxiety disorders.​

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Other Mental Health Conditions:

Anxiety often coexists with other conditions like depression, which can amplify symptoms and make them harder to manage.

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Substance Use

 

Alcohol and Drugs:

Misuse of substances like alcohol, caffeine, or recreational drugs can worsen anxiety. Withdrawal from these substances can also cause or exacerbate anxiety​.

How does The Nudge treat anxiety?

The First Step in Treating anxiety is connecting with our provider at The Nudge, you can begin your anxiety treatment journey from the comfort of your home with telehealth virtual visit or we can schedule you for an office visit at our location in Wichita, Kansas. Scheduling your first appointment is quick and easy—often available within just a few days. Start by clicking the request appointment button and filling out the form. ​​

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Evaluation

Your initial visit is all about understanding you. During this session, you'll meet with one of our compassionate providers, who will ask about your current symptoms, personal and medical history, and your mental health goals. We’ll listen closely to ensure that virtual care at The Nudge is the right fit for you.

Diagnosis

Based on the information you share, your provider can offer an initial diagnosis of anxiety. For those seeking a formal evaluation, we can refer you to a qualified therapist for comprehensive testing. Please note that The Nudge does not provide formal diagnoses for mental health conditions.

Personalized Treatment Plan

You'll work closely with your provider to develop a customized plan to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, your provider will explain your options, discussing the benefits and potential side effects of each.

Medication Management

If medication is part of your treatment plan, your provider may recommend one or a combination of several types of medications have proven effective.

 

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and fluoxetine are commonly prescribed as they help regulate mood with fewer side effects. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, are another option.

 

For short-term relief, benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam) are sometimes used, but they carry a risk of dependency.

 

Non-addictive alternatives like buspirone and beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) are also used to manage anxiety symptoms​.

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*An important consideration is medication combined with therapy can greatly improve outcomes, and finding the right treatment often requires adjusting medications based on individual responses​. The Nudge does not offer therapy services, but we can refer you to one of our partnered therapists.

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