Treatments and Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Living with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but help is closer than you think. At Drift Behavioral Health, we offer supportive, evidence-based care to help you manage anxiety and feel more in control.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the US. According to the CDC, in 2022, about 18.2% of adults in the United States reported experiencing symptoms within the past two weeks, and the World Health Organization estimates that 4% of the global population suffers from anxiety disorders. They go beyond everyday stress and can seriously impact your ability to function. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people see real improvement.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s response to stress, often showing up as worry or fear. It affects how you think, feel, and respond to pressure. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but a disorder goes beyond typical stress, showing up as ongoing fear that doesn’t go away. Some people experience anxiety attacks—sudden, intense episodes of fear that can feel overwhelming. While occasional worries are part of life, an anxiety disorder is more persistent and disruptive.
Anxiety can have many causes. Genetics, brain chemistry, past trauma, chronic stress, and certain medical conditions can all play a role. There may also be no clear reason for why it starts. For some, it may start in childhood; for others, it develops later in life.
This disorder manifests differently for different people. Some people feel it in their bodies, while others notice it more in their thoughts or mood.
Physical symptoms may include:
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches or dizziness
- Upset stomach or nausea
Emotional and cognitive symptoms may include:
- Excessive worry or fear
- Irritability or feeling on edge
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety often occurs alongside other mental health concerns, such as depression, ADHD, trauma, or OCD. It can also be tied to substance use. At Drift, we provide dual diagnosis care to treat both anxiety and any co-occurring conditions at the same time.
There are several types of anxiety disorders. Each one has its own challenges, but all can be treated with the right support.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD involves persistent, uncontrollable worry about many parts of daily life.
Social Anxiety: This type causes intense fear in social settings or when being observed by others.
Panic Disorder: A condition that leads to unexpected panic attacks and fear of when the next one will happen.
Phobias: These are varied and involve an extreme fear of specific objects, places, or situations.
Treating and Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is treatable, and many people find relief with the right care. Treatment may include a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. At Drift, you can access these services in person or through secure online sessions, ensuring you get help in a way that works for you.
Medication for Anxiety
Medication can help manage symptoms, especially when used alongside therapy. Some of the best options include SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) and fluoxetine (Prozac), SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor), and benzodiazepines for short-term use. Your provider will help you choose what’s safest and most effective.
Holistic Anxiety Treatment
Alongside therapy and medication, we also offer holistic options. These include mindfulness, grounding techniques, stress management, meditation, yoga, and recreational therapy. These practices support emotional balance and help you cope between sessions.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Diagnosing a mental health disorder starts with a full mental health evaluation. This includes a clinical interview to understand your symptoms and what you’ve been experiencing. A licensed provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and may use mental health tests. They’ll also review the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders to ensure an accurate diagnosis. This helps create a clear care plan that fits your needs.
Anxiety Counseling and Therapies
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage mental health. We also offer different levels of care depending on your needs. This enables us to provide support that matches your situation, whether you’re just starting or need a step down from more intense care. At Drift, we use proven therapeutic methods such as:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Get Expert Anxiety Treatment at Drift Behavioral Health
We tailor each treatment plan to your personal story, symptoms, and goals. Whether you’re dealing with constant worry or panic attacks, we’re here to help you regain control and build confidence. Our team offers evidence-based therapy across multiple levels of care:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Intensive daytime treatment 5–6 days per week
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible therapy sessions 3–5 days a week
- Virtual Mental Health Treatment: Online therapy and medication support with extra case management
Affordable Treatment and Anxiety Medication Online
You don’t have to leave home to get support. Our virtual program offers therapy and medication online through secure Zoom sessions. We also provide at-home lab testing and ongoing check-ins so you never feel alone in your care. Contact us today to start your recovery journey.
FAQs
Can anxiety cause chest pain?
Yes, anxiety can lead to chest tightness or pain. It’s a common physical symptom, but it’s always good to check with a doctor to rule out other causes.
Is anxiety genetic?
It can run in families, yes. Genetics may play a role, but environment and life experiences also matter.
Difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?
The term anxiety attack isn’t clinically defined, but it’s often used to describe a build-up of anxiety. Panic attacks happen suddenly and tend to include intense physical symptoms.
Is anxiety disorder a disability?
It can be. If worry keeps you from working or doing daily tasks, it may be considered a disability.
Can low testosterone cause anxiety?
Yes, low testosterone can affect your mood and cause symptoms like stress or irritability.
Can you get anxiety meds online?
Yes. At Drift, you can talk to a licensed provider and get medication prescribed through secure online visits.
