Anxiety/Stress Specialist
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PeachState Psychiatric Services
Psychiatrist located in Atlanta, GA
No one escapes stress and anxiety, but at least 19% of adults and 30% of adolescents experience such intense and persistent anxiety that they avoid the things that trigger their fear. Dr. Dwight A. Owens at Peachstate Psychiatric Services has years of experience working with patients to overcome their anxiety and stress, helping them return to a life they can enjoy. If anxiety pervades your life, call the office in Atlanta or use online booking to schedule an appointment.
Anxiety/Stress Q & A
When should you seek help for anxiety and stress?
Anxiety and stress are unavoidable, and often beneficial, as they trigger the fight-or-flight response that prepares you to stay alert and deal with a challenge. Normal anxiety and stress should subside once the threat is over.
Both emotional states become a problem when they continue in the absence of a triggering fight-or-flight event or when these feelings are so overwhelming you can't control your fear. Ongoing stress also leads to sustained levels of hormones that lead to long-term health problems.
When you experience anxiety that affects your relationship, your ability to work, go to school, or any other aspect of your daily life, it’s time to consider consulting Dr. Owens to get help for your symptoms.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Anxiety causes physical and emotional symptoms, ranging from mild to debilitating:
Emotional symptoms
You may feel tense, apprehensive, restless, or filled with dread. You anticipate the worst, so you constantly look for signs of danger or problems ahead.
Physical symptoms
A pounding heart, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath are common anxiety symptoms. Many people feel nauseous or frequently need to use the bathroom.
What is a panic attack?
When you have a panic attack, you suddenly experience intense fear. You may perceive impending danger, but real danger probably isn't present. Anxiety over something that triggers fear usually triggers panic attacks.
The symptoms of a panic attack include a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a tight feeling in your chest. It’s common to hyperventilate during a panic attack.
What are the different types of anxiety?
There are several different types of anxiety disorder, including:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Specific phobias (for example, of heights or flying on airplanes)
- Agoraphobia
How are anxiety and stress treated?
Dr. Owens develops an individualized treatment plan designed to help with your specific anxiety. Your treatment may include therapy alone or with medication to relieve your symptoms.
Anti-anxiety medications effectively relieve anxious and fearful feelings, while other types of medications block physical symptoms of anxiety, such as sweating, tremors, or a rapid heartbeat.
The team at Peachstate Psychiatric Services can also assess and treat the physical effects of your stress with the help of their onsite lab.
Psychotherapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, and stress management are just a few of the possible therapies that effectively treat anxiety.
When you find yourself suffering from anxiety or ongoing stress, call Peachstate Psychiatric Services or book an appointment online.
