January 19, 2026
Comprehensive guide to anxiety—symptoms, causes, and effective treatments including therapy and medication.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion characterized by worry, nervousness, or unease about an anticipated event or uncertain outcome. When anxiety becomes persistent, disproportionate, or interferes with daily functioning it may meet criteria for an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and are highly treatable with evidence-based care.
Anxiety presents in several diagnostic forms, each with distinct features. Common types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety. Understanding the subtype guides treatment planning and prognosis.
Anxiety symptoms vary but often include both psychological and physical signs. Cognitive symptoms can include racing thoughts, catastrophic thinking, and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms commonly include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tension, gastrointestinal upset, and sleep disturbance.
Anxiety results from an interplay of genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors. Family history increases risk, as do temperament traits like behavioral inhibition. Life stressors such as trauma, medical illness, or chronic stress can precipitate or worsen symptoms.
Anxiety commonly co-occurs with several other mental health conditions. Comorbidity can complicate presentation and requires integrated treatment. Clinicians routinely screen for overlapping diagnoses to create effective care plans.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical interview that explores symptoms, duration, severity, and functional impact. Clinicians assess for medical causes and screen for co-occurring conditions. Standardized questionnaires can help track symptom severity over time.
Evidence-based treatments for anxiety include psychotherapy, medication, and integrative strategies. Treatment is personalized based on symptom severity, co-occurring conditions, patient preference, and life context.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most extensively studied psychotherapy for anxiety and includes cognitive restructuring and behavioral techniques like exposure. Other helpful modalities include acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for emotion regulation, and mindfulness-based approaches. Integrative Psych offers specialized psychotherapy services tailored to anxiety symptoms.
When appropriate, medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and occasionally anxiolytics can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Combining medication with psychotherapy often produces the best outcomes. Our clinic provides comprehensive medication management in coordination with psychotherapy.
Treatment is most effective when clinicians address comorbid conditions concurrently—for example integrating strategies for anxiety and depression or adapting interventions for patients with ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders. Learn more about our specialty care for OCD, PTSD, and eating disorders.
Behavioral strategies support formal treatment: regular sleep, exercise, reduced substance use, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practice can all reduce baseline anxiety. Techniques such as paced breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding skills are practical tools to manage acute symptoms.
Self-help strategies can reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety when used consistently. Building skills for tolerance of uncertainty, scheduling worry time, and gradually facing feared situations through exposure work are effective. Digital tools and apps can support skill practice between sessions.
Contact a mental health professional when anxiety causes significant distress, interferes with work or relationships, or leads to avoidance of important activities. Immediate help is warranted if anxiety includes suicidal thoughts or severe panic that impairs functioning. You can learn about our team and philosophy on the About page, or contact us to schedule an evaluation.
Anxiety is common and treatable. With accurate assessment, evidence-based therapies, thoughtful medication management when indicated, and practical self-care, most people can significantly reduce symptoms and reclaim their daily lives. Recovery is an individualized process that benefits from compassion, consistent skill-building, and a collaborative treatment team.
Integrative Psych provides evidence-based, compassionate care for anxiety and related conditions across Chelsea, New York City and Miami. Our multidisciplinary team offers psychotherapy, medication management, and specialized programs for depression, depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit psychotherapy, medication management, or contact us. We strive to create a non-judgmental, collaborative environment to support your recovery in Chelsea, NYC and Miami.
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