Published on Feb 01, 2024 | 3:41 PM
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Understanding Anxiety, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with daily life. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, anxiety disorders involve persistent symptoms that are difficult to control and often disproportionate to the situation.
Anxiety can affect thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behavior, and it may occur on its own or alongside other mental or physical health conditions.
Anxiety disorders exist in several forms, each with distinct features.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves ongoing, excessive worry about everyday situations.
Panic disorder is marked by sudden episodes of intense fear or panic attacks.
Social anxiety disorder involves fear of social situations or being judged by others.
Specific phobias cause intense fear of particular objects or situations.
Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time.
Emotional and cognitive symptoms can include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and racing thoughts.
Physical symptoms may include muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, headaches, sweating, and fatigue.
Because anxiety symptoms can mimic medical conditions, proper evaluation is important.
Anxiety is influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, life stressors, trauma, chronic illness, sleep disturbances, and substance use can all contribute. Anxiety is not a personal weakness and does not reflect a lack of willpower.
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed through a clinical evaluation based on symptoms, duration, and impact on daily functioning.
Healthcare providers also consider medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety is highly treatable, and treatment is tailored to the individual.
Common approaches include therapy, lifestyle modifications, stress-management strategies, and medication when appropriate. Many people benefit from a combination of treatments rather than a single approach.
Daily habits play an important role in anxiety management.
Sleep quality, physical activity, nutrition, caffeine intake, alcohol use, and stress levels all influence anxiety symptoms. Small, consistent changes can significantly improve symptom control over time.
Medical care is recommended when anxiety interferes with work, school, relationships, or daily activities, or when symptoms are persistent or worsening.
Urgent care is needed for severe panic symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or inability to function safely.
Call-On-Doc provides confidential, clinician-guided care for anxiety through telehealth.
Through a virtual visit, patients can:
Discuss symptoms and concerns
Receive evaluation and treatment recommendations
Access ongoing care and medication management when appropriate
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
updated 01/29/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
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