Conditions we treat
Anxiety
Feeling anxious sometimes is part of being human. When the worry becomes constant, disproportionate, or impossible to switch off, it may be an anxiety disorder — and it is treatable.
Understanding it
What is anxiety?
Anxiety disorders involve intense, excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations. The feeling is typically out of proportion to any real danger, and it is difficult to control.
Symptoms often begin in childhood or adolescence and continue into adulthood. Many people experience panic attacks — sudden episodes of intense fear that peak within minutes — and begin avoiding places or situations in order to prevent them.
Recognising it
Signs and symptoms
You do not need to recognise all of these, and you do not need to be at your worst before seeking care.
- Persistent worry that is hard to control or interrupt
- A sense of dread, or feeling constantly on edge
- Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension, headaches or stomach upset
- Disturbed sleep
- Avoiding situations that trigger the anxiety
Types of anxiety disorder
- Generalised anxiety disorder — continual worry across many areas of life
- Panic disorder — recurrent panic attacks and worry about further attacks
- Social anxiety disorder — intense fear of being judged in social situations
- Specific phobias — disproportionate fear of a particular object or situation
- Agoraphobia — fear of situations that feel difficult to escape
Our approach
How we approach anxiety
Care is personalised. What follows describes the approaches available — what applies to you is decided with your clinician.
A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to understand your symptoms and rule out other causes
Psychological counselling and coping-skills work
Medication management where clinically appropriate
Relaxation and mindfulness strategies
Common questions
Anxiety, answered
How is an anxiety disorder different from ordinary stress?
Stress usually has an identifiable cause and eases when that cause resolves. An anxiety disorder persists, is disproportionate to the situation, and interferes with daily functioning.
Is medication always part of treatment?
No. Some people are treated with counselling and skills-based approaches alone. Medication is one option among several and is discussed with you rather than assumed.
Can anxiety be treated over telehealth?
Yes. Anxiety care is available by secure video as well as in person, whichever suits you better.
Other conditions we treat
Take the first step.
Request an appointment online, or call the office and speak to someone directly.