What Is Anxiety?
Learn the basics of Anxiety, how it may present, and why a professional evaluation can be useful. Get clear information from Tinka Health Services for patients.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, uneasiness, or heightened alertness that can occur when a person expects danger, uncertainty, conflict, or a difficult outcome.
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. It may arise before an examination, medical procedure, job interview, financial decision, public presentation, or major life change. In these situations, anxiety may temporarily increase alertness and help someone prepare for a challenge.
An anxiety disorder is different from ordinary, short-term nervousness.
Anxiety may require professional evaluation when fear or worry becomes:
- Excessive
- Persistent
- Difficult to control
- Out of proportion to the situation
- Physically distressing
- Connected to repeated avoidance
- Disruptive to work, school, relationships, sleep, or self-care
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions involving fear, worry, nervousness, or avoidance that interfere with daily life. They may affect thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, behavior, relationships, and the ability to function.
Anxiety is not always obvious. Some people experience constant worry, while others mainly notice physical tension, digestive discomfort, poor concentration, irritability, insomnia, panic attacks, reassurance seeking, or avoidance.
A person does not need to wait until anxiety becomes unbearable before seeking help. Early evaluation can clarify what is happening and whether psychotherapy, medication management, practical support, medical care, or another treatment may be appropriate.
What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Anxiety can affect several areas at the same time.
A person may experience emotional symptoms such as:
- Fear
- Nervousness
- Dread
- Uneasiness
- Irritability
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Feeling that something bad will happen
Cognitive symptoms may include:
- Persistent worry
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Repeatedly imagining negative outcomes
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feeling unable to stop thinking about a concern
- Needing repeated reassurance
Physical symptoms may include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
Behavioral changes may include:
- Avoiding certain places or situations
- Leaving events early
- Repeatedly checking information
- Seeking frequent reassurance
- Delaying important decisions
- Canceling appointments
- Avoiding driving, travel, work, school, or social contact
- Using alcohol or substances to calm down
MedlinePlus describes anxiety as fear, dread, or uneasiness that may cause restlessness, tension, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat. It may be a normal response to stress, but anxiety disorders involve fear that is not temporary and can become overwhelming.
For a fuller symptom guide, visit Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety.
Is Anxiety Always a Mental Health Disorder?
No. Anxiety is not always a disorder.
Temporary anxiety can be a reasonable response to:
- An upcoming examination
- A medical concern
- Financial pressure
- A relationship conflict
- A new job
- A major move
- Public speaking
- An uncertain decision
- A real safety threat
Normal anxiety usually has an identifiable cause, decreases after the situation passes, and does not create major or lasting impairment.
An anxiety disorder is more likely when symptoms:
- Continue even when there is no immediate danger
- Occur across many situations
- Are difficult to control
- Cause severe physical distress
- Lead to persistent avoidance
- Continue for weeks or months
- Interfere with responsibilities
- Repeatedly return
- Feel much stronger than the situation would reasonably require
The distinction depends on the pattern, severity, duration, context, and effect on functioning—not only on whether worry is present.
What Is the Difference Between Fear and Anxiety?
Fear and anxiety are related but not identical.
Fear is usually a response to an immediate or clearly identified threat.
Examples include:
- A vehicle suddenly moving toward you
- A threatening person approaching
- A dangerous animal nearby
- A fire alarm signaling possible danger
Anxiety often involves anticipation.
It may focus on something that could happen later, such as:
- Failing an examination
- Being judged by other people
- Having a medical emergency
- Losing a job
- Experiencing another panic attack
- Making a serious mistake
- Being unable to escape from a situation
Both responses can activate physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, faster breathing, muscle tension, sweating, and heightened attention.
The concern becomes clinically important when the body and mind repeatedly respond as though danger is present, even when the threat is uncertain, limited, or no longer occurring.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which fear, worry, anxiety, or avoidance becomes persistent, difficult to manage, and disruptive.
Anxiety disorders are not defined by worry alone.
A clinical evaluation may consider:
- What the person fears
- How often symptoms occur
- How long they have continued
- Whether anxiety is difficult to control
- Whether panic attacks occur
- What situations are avoided
- How the symptoms affect daily functioning
- Whether a medical condition or substance may be contributing
- Whether another psychiatric condition is present
Anxiety disorders can affect job performance, schoolwork, relationships, and ordinary activities.
A person may also experience more than one anxiety disorder or anxiety alongside depression, trauma-related symptoms, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, ADHD, substance use, or another condition.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
“Anxiety” is a broad term. Different anxiety disorders involve different patterns of fear, worry, physical symptoms, and avoidance.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder, often called GAD, involves excessive and difficult-to-control worry about several areas of life.
Concerns may involve:
- Work
- School
- Health
- Finances
- Family
- Safety
- Appointments
- Everyday responsibilities
The worry may move from one subject to another.
A person with GAD may also experience:
- Restlessness
- Feeling on edge
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Concentration problems
- Sleep disturbance
- Headaches or stomach discomfort
NIMH describes generalized anxiety disorder as persistent, excessive worry that may be difficult to control and accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, concentration difficulty, and muscle tension or pain.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves recurring panic attacks and ongoing concern about experiencing another attack or its consequences.
A panic attack is a sudden period of intense fear or discomfort that may involve:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Chills or heat sensations
- Feeling detached from reality
- Fear of losing control
- Fear of dying
A person may begin avoiding locations where attacks have occurred or places where escape seems difficult.
An isolated panic attack does not automatically mean panic disorder. Panic attacks can occur with several mental health and medical conditions.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of being watched, judged, embarrassed, rejected, or negatively evaluated by other people.
The person may fear:
- Speaking in public
- Meeting unfamiliar people
- Eating in front of others
- Attending social events
- Asking questions
- Making telephone calls
- Being observed at work or school
Social anxiety is more than ordinary shyness.
It may cause severe distress, physical symptoms, and avoidance that interferes with relationships, education, employment, or healthcare.
Specific Phobias
A specific phobia involves intense fear of a particular object or situation.
Examples may include:
- Flying
- Heights
- Needles
- Blood
- Animals
- Storms
- Enclosed spaces
- Driving
- Medical procedures
The person may understand that the fear is stronger than the actual danger but still feel unable to control the reaction.
Avoidance can become increasingly disruptive when the feared object or situation is difficult to avoid.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape might feel difficult or help might not be available if panic-like or disabling symptoms occur.
A person may fear:
- Public transportation
- Open spaces
- Enclosed places
- Crowds
- Standing in line
- Being outside the home alone
Severe agoraphobia may make it difficult to work, shop, attend appointments, or leave home.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder involves excessive fear about being separated from an important attachment figure.
It can occur in children, teenagers, and adults.
Concerns may involve:
- Harm coming to a loved one
- Being unable to reach the person
- Sleeping away from home
- Attending school or work
- Traveling alone
The level of fear is greater than expected for the person’s age and circumstances and causes meaningful distress or impairment.
Selective Mutism
Selective mutism is most often identified in children.
A child may speak comfortably in certain settings but consistently be unable to speak in other situations where speech is expected, such as school.
The behavior is not simply refusal or lack of language knowledge. Anxiety may interfere with the child’s ability to speak in specific environments.
Are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and PTSD Anxiety Disorders?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder can involve severe anxiety, fear, avoidance, or physical arousal.
However, current diagnostic systems classify them in separate categories because they have distinct features and treatment considerations.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder may involve:
- Intrusive thoughts, images, or urges
- Repetitive behaviors
- Mental rituals
- Checking
- Contamination fears
- A need for certainty
Post-traumatic stress disorder may involve:
- Intrusive memories
- Nightmares
- Avoidance
- Hypervigilance
- Emotional numbness
- Negative changes in mood and beliefs
- Strong reactions to trauma reminders
A complete evaluation helps distinguish among anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, trauma-related conditions, and other possible explanations.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety usually does not have one single cause.
Possible contributing factors may include:
- Genetics
- Family history
- Brain and nervous-system processes
- Temperament
- Stress
- Trauma
- Childhood experiences
- Chronic illness
- Sleep disruption
- Substance use
- Medication effects
- Social isolation
- Financial or relationship pressure
- Major life transitions
The presence of one risk factor does not guarantee that a person will develop an anxiety disorder.
Some people develop severe anxiety without a clear traumatic event. Others experience major stress without developing a lasting disorder.
The American Psychiatric Association describes anxiety disorders as generally involving several contributing influences, including genetics, environment, life experiences, stress, and trauma.
The purpose of evaluation is not always to find one event that “caused” the anxiety. It is to understand the current pattern and identify factors that may need attention.
Can Medical Conditions Cause Anxiety Symptoms?
Yes. Some physical-health conditions can cause or worsen symptoms that resemble anxiety.
Possible contributors may include:
- Thyroid disorders
- Heart-rhythm problems
- Asthma or breathing conditions
- Anemia
- Low blood sugar
- Hormonal changes
- Sleep disorders
- Neurological conditions
- Chronic pain
- Menopause
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Medication reactions
- Substance intoxication or withdrawal
Physical symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, tremor, or sweating should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety.
A clinician may recommend medical evaluation, physical examination, laboratory testing, or coordination with primary care when appropriate.
New severe chest pain, fainting, major breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, or another possible medical emergency requires urgent medical assessment.
Can Medication or Substances Worsen Anxiety?
Yes. Anxiety symptoms may be affected by:
- Caffeine
- Energy products
- Nicotine
- Cannabis
- Stimulants
- Decongestants
- Certain asthma medications
- Thyroid medication
- Steroids
- Some weight-loss products
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Sedative withdrawal
- Other prescription or nonprescription products
The provider may ask:
- What substances are used?
- How often?
- How much?
- Did anxiety begin after a new medication?
- Did symptoms worsen after a dose change?
- Does caffeine affect sleep or panic symptoms?
- Do symptoms appear during withdrawal?
Patients should not stop prescribed medication abruptly because they suspect it is contributing. The concern should be discussed with the prescribing professional.
Accurate information helps distinguish an anxiety disorder from medication-induced or substance-related symptoms.
How Anxiety Affects the Body
Anxiety can activate systems involved in preparing the body to respond to danger.
This may cause:
- Faster heartbeat
- Faster breathing
- Sweating
- Muscle tension
- Increased alertness
- Digestive changes
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping
These sensations are real.
Anxiety symptoms are not invented or imaginary simply because emotional or nervous-system processes are involved.
At the same time, similar physical symptoms can occur with medical conditions. A professional evaluation may be needed when symptoms are new, severe, unexplained, or changing.
Anxiety and the Cycle of Avoidance
Avoidance is one of the ways anxiety can grow over time.
A common cycle may look like this:
- A person expects a situation to be dangerous or humiliating.
- Anxiety increases.
- The person avoids or escapes.
- Anxiety decreases temporarily.
- The person concludes that avoidance prevented something terrible.
- The fear becomes stronger the next time.
Examples may include:
- Avoiding driving after a panic attack
- Skipping presentations because of social fear
- Canceling medical appointments
- Refusing to travel
- Avoiding elevators
- Repeatedly asking others for reassurance
- Avoiding decisions because the outcome cannot be guaranteed
Avoidance may provide short-term relief but create long-term limitations.
Treatment may help the patient approach feared situations gradually and safely rather than forcing immediate exposure without preparation.
Anxiety and Reassurance Seeking
Some people manage anxiety by repeatedly asking:
- “Are you sure everything is okay?”
- “Do you think I made a mistake?”
- “Could this symptom be dangerous?”
- “Are you angry with me?”
- “Will the flight be safe?”
- “What if something happens?”
Reassurance may briefly lower anxiety. The relief often fades, leading the person to ask again or seek information from several sources.
Repeated reassurance seeking can affect:
- Relationships
- Medical care
- Work
- Time management
- Financial decisions
- Internet use
A clinician may help the patient distinguish reasonable information gathering from a repeated anxiety-management behavior that is strengthening the cycle.
Anxiety and Daily Functioning
Anxiety may interfere with ordinary life in ways that other people do not immediately recognize.
A person may:
- Avoid work meetings
- Miss school
- Stop driving
- Delay medical care
- Avoid telephone calls
- Take excessive time completing tasks
- Recheck work repeatedly
- Avoid relationships
- Decline promotions
- Stop traveling
- Depend heavily on others for reassurance
- Remain awake worrying
- Use alcohol or substances to relax
Some people continue meeting their responsibilities while experiencing severe internal distress.
They may appear organized or successful while:
- Sleeping poorly
- Feeling constantly tense
- Experiencing panic attacks
- Avoiding opportunities
- Rehearsing every conversation
- Spending hours checking their work
- Feeling unable to relax
Functioning should be evaluated by considering both visible performance and the emotional or physical cost of maintaining it.
Learn more at Anxiety and Daily Life and How Anxiety Can Affect Daily Functioning.
Anxiety and Sleep
Anxiety may make it difficult to:
- Fall asleep
- Stay asleep
- Return to sleep
- Stop reviewing the day
- Stop imagining future problems
- Relax physically
- Feel rested
Poor sleep can then worsen:
- Irritability
- Concentration
- Physical tension
- Emotional regulation
- Sensitivity to threat
- Ability to cope with uncertainty
The provider may also consider whether sleep problems are related to:
- Depression
- Trauma
- Substance use
- Medication effects
- Sleep apnea
- Shift work
- Mania or hypomania
- Another medical concern
Sleep disturbance may be part of the anxiety pattern, but it should not automatically be assumed to have one cause.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort.
Physical sensations may become so strong that the person fears:
- A heart attack
- Suffocation
- Fainting
- Losing control
- “Going crazy”
- Dying
Panic symptoms may include:
- Racing heart
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
- Chills or heat
- Feeling unreal or detached
Panic attacks can occur unexpectedly or in response to a feared situation.
A panic attack does not automatically establish panic disorder. The clinician considers whether attacks recur, whether the person fears another attack, and whether avoidance has developed.
New or severe physical symptoms should receive appropriate medical evaluation, especially when a medical emergency cannot be ruled out.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can occur separately or together.
Anxiety often involves:
- Fear
- Worry
- Tension
- Anticipation of danger
- Avoidance
Depression often involves:
- Persistent sadness
- Emotional numbness
- Hopelessness
- Low energy
- Loss of interest
A person with both may feel:
- Constantly worried and exhausted
- Afraid of failure and convinced improvement is impossible
- Restless but unable to complete tasks
- Socially avoidant and emotionally withdrawn
- Unable to sleep and too fatigued to function
Treatment planning may need to address both conditions.
The provider should also assess suicide risk, substance use, sleep, medical concerns, and possible bipolar disorder when symptoms overlap.
Anxiety in Children and Teenagers
Anxiety may appear differently in younger people.
Possible signs include:
- Repeated stomachaches or headaches
- Fear of school
- Refusal to separate from a caregiver
- Frequent reassurance seeking
- Irritability
- Crying
- Sleep difficulty
- Avoiding friends
- Perfectionism
- Fear of making mistakes
- Difficulty speaking in certain settings
- Declining academic participation
A child may not say, “I feel anxious.”
They may say:
- “My stomach hurts.”
- “I cannot go.”
- “Something bad will happen.”
- “Do not leave me.”
- “Everyone will laugh at me.”
Evaluation may include information from the child, parents, guardians, teachers, school staff, and medical professionals when appropriate.
Symptoms should be considered in relation to the child’s age, development, circumstances, and daily functioning.
Anxiety in Older Adults
Older adults may describe:
- Physical tension
- Sleep disturbance
- Health worries
- Dizziness
- Digestive symptoms
- Fear of falling
- Repeated medical concerns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance of leaving home
Anxiety may occur alongside:
- Chronic illness
- Grief
- Pain
- Medication changes
- Cognitive changes
- Social isolation
- Reduced mobility
- Caregiving stress
New anxiety in an older adult may require careful medical and medication review.
Sudden confusion, major personality change, fainting, weakness, or rapid functional decline should not automatically be attributed to anxiety.
Anxiety During Pregnancy and After Childbirth
Anxiety may occur during pregnancy or after delivery.
Concerns may involve:
- Pregnancy complications
- The baby’s health
- Childbirth
- Parenting ability
- Feeding
- Sleep
- Intrusive fears
- Being alone with the baby
- Returning to work
The evaluation may consider:
- Previous anxiety
- Previous depression
- Trauma
- Obsessive or intrusive thoughts
- Panic symptoms
- Sleep deprivation
- Medication
- Substance use
- Family support
- Suicidal thoughts
- Psychotic symptoms
Intrusive and unwanted fears should be discussed honestly. Having an unwanted thought does not automatically mean the person intends to act on it.
However, severe confusion, hallucinations, delusions, dangerous behavior, or intent to harm oneself or the baby requires emergency care.
How Anxiety Is Evaluated
There is no single blood test or online quiz that independently diagnoses an anxiety disorder.
A clinical evaluation may include:
- A detailed symptom history
- Duration and frequency
- Triggers
- Avoidance
- Panic attacks
- Physical symptoms
- Sleep
- Daily functioning
- Medical history
- Medication and supplement review
- Alcohol and substance use
- Family psychiatric history
- Trauma history
- Depression screening
- Suicide-risk assessment
- Screening questionnaires
- Medical testing when appropriate
The clinician considers whether symptoms are better explained by:
- An anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Trauma
- Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use
- Medication effects
- A sleep disorder
- A medical condition
The diagnosis may be clear during the first evaluation, or further information may be needed.
Visit How Anxiety Is Evaluated.
When Should Someone Seek Help for Anxiety?
Consider seeking professional help when anxiety:
- Feels difficult to control
- Persists for weeks or months
- Causes repeated panic attacks
- Disrupts sleep
- Interferes with work or school
- Affects relationships
- Leads to significant avoidance
- Causes frequent physical symptoms
- Requires repeated reassurance
- Contributes to alcohol or substance use
- Prevents medical care
- Causes significant distress
- Occurs alongside depression
- Includes thoughts of self-harm or suicide
A person does not need to wait until they can no longer function.
An evaluation may be helpful when the person is still meeting responsibilities but doing so with severe distress, exhaustion, avoidance, or dependence on coping behaviors.
Visit When to Seek Help for Anxiety.
How Is Anxiety Treated?
Anxiety treatment depends on the specific disorder, symptom severity, medical history, functional impact, previous response, and patient preference.
Possible treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Exposure-based treatment
- Behavioral strategies
- Medication management when clinically appropriate
- Sleep support
- Practical care planning
- Treatment of medical contributors
- Substance-use care
- Family support
- Telehealth care
- A higher level of treatment when needed
Psychotherapy and medication are two common treatments for anxiety, and some patients benefit from a combination.
Treatment does not require eliminating every normal feeling of nervousness.
Goals may include:
- Reducing excessive worry
- Decreasing panic attacks
- Improving sleep
- Reducing avoidance
- Increasing independence
- Improving concentration
- Returning to work or school
- Strengthening relationships
- Managing physical symptoms
- Improving the ability to tolerate uncertainty
For a detailed overview, visit Anxiety Treatment Options.
Therapy for Anxiety
Psychotherapy may help patients understand anxiety patterns and change responses that keep fear and avoidance going.
Therapy may address:
- Catastrophic thinking
- Avoidance
- Panic sensations
- Reassurance seeking
- Fear of uncertainty
- Social fears
- Specific phobias
- Stress
- Relationship difficulties
- Practical functioning
Cognitive behavioral therapy may help a person examine anxious predictions and test more balanced responses.
Exposure-based strategies may help someone approach feared situations gradually, safely, and repeatedly rather than escaping immediately.
Treatment should be paced according to the person’s symptoms and clinical needs. Exposure is not the same as forcing someone into an overwhelming situation without preparation or consent.
Learn more at Therapy and Practical Support for Anxiety.
Medication for Anxiety
Medication may be considered when anxiety is persistent, severe, recurring, or significantly impairing.
The prescribing professional may consider:
- The type of anxiety disorder
- Main symptoms
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Sleep
- Medical conditions
- Other prescriptions
- Previous response
- Side effects
- Substance-use history
- Pregnancy
- Patient preferences
Some medications are intended for ongoing treatment, while others may be considered only in selected short-term or situation-specific circumstances.
Medication management should include monitoring for:
- Benefits
- Side effects
- Sedation
- Activation
- Interactions
- Misuse risk
- Withdrawal concerns
- Daily functioning
- Safety
An evaluation does not guarantee that medication will be prescribed.
Visit Medication Management for Anxiety.
Can Anxiety Go Away Without Treatment?
Temporary anxiety may improve when a stressful situation ends.
A persistent anxiety disorder may also fluctuate over time, but avoiding evaluation can allow patterns of fear, avoidance, reassurance seeking, sleep disruption, or substance use to become more established.
Professional care may be especially useful when:
- Symptoms repeatedly return
- Avoidance is expanding
- Panic attacks continue
- Physical symptoms remain unexplained
- Work or relationships are affected
- Self-help efforts have not been sufficient
- Depression or substance use is present
Seeking help does not mean the person has failed to manage stress. It means the symptoms deserve a careful and appropriate response.
Common Misconceptions About Anxiety
“Anxiety Is Just Worrying Too Much”
Anxiety may involve physical symptoms, panic, avoidance, sleep disturbance, impaired concentration, and major functional changes.
“People With Anxiety Should Simply Relax”
An anxiety disorder is not resolved by being told to calm down. Treatment may involve structured psychological strategies, medication, practical support, or medical care.
“Avoiding the Trigger Solves the Problem”
Avoidance may provide immediate relief but strengthen anxiety and reduce functioning over time.
“Panic Attacks Are Always Heart Attacks”
Panic can produce intense physical symptoms, but new or severe chest pain and breathing problems still require appropriate medical evaluation.
“Anxiety Is Always Caused by Trauma”
Trauma may contribute, but anxiety can develop through several biological, psychological, environmental, and medical influences.
“Medication Is the Only Treatment”
Psychotherapy, exposure-based treatment, behavioral strategies, practical support, and treatment of contributing conditions may also be important.
“Medication Should Never Be Used”
Medication may be clinically appropriate for some patients. The decision should be individualized and monitored.
“A Person Cannot Have Anxiety if They Appear Confident”
Some people hide severe worry, panic, physical tension, checking, and avoidance while appearing calm or successful.
“Children Grow Out of Every Fear”
Some childhood fears are temporary and developmentally expected. Persistent anxiety that interferes with school, sleep, relationships, or separation may need evaluation.
“Anxiety Is Not Serious”
Severe anxiety can interfere with healthcare, education, employment, relationships, sleep, physical wellbeing, and personal safety.
When Anxiety May Be an Emergency
Anxiety itself may feel frightening without being physically dangerous. However, certain situations require emergency care.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when someone:
- May harm themselves or another person
- Has attempted suicide
- Has taken an overdose
- Has a suicide plan and intends to act
- Is experiencing severe confusion
- Is experiencing severe psychosis
- Has severe chest pain or major breathing difficulty
- Has fainted or is medically unstable
- Is severely intoxicated
- Is experiencing dangerous withdrawal
- Cannot eat or drink safely
- Cannot care for basic needs
- Cannot remain safe
Do not assume that every severe physical symptom is a panic attack.
A scheduled mental health appointment, website form, voicemail, email, or patient portal should not replace emergency care.
How Tinka Health Services Can Help
Tinka Health Services provides psychiatric evaluation, anxiety assessment, medication management when clinically appropriate, therapy-informed support, and telehealth mental health care for eligible patients in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia.
An anxiety evaluation may include discussion of:
- Current fears and worries
- Panic symptoms
- Physical symptoms
- Avoidance
- Reassurance seeking
- Sleep
- Concentration
- Daily functioning
- Medical history
- Medication and supplements
- Alcohol and substance use
- Trauma and major stressors
- Depression
- Previous treatment
- Family psychiatric history
- Self-harm or suicide risk
- Treatment goals
Seliat Dosunmu, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, works with patients to understand the full clinical pattern rather than focusing on one symptom alone.
Depending on the evaluation, recommendations may include:
- Psychiatric follow-up
- Medication management when clinically appropriate
- Therapy-informed support
- Referral for psychotherapy
- Practical anxiety-management planning
- Sleep and symptom monitoring
- Medical or laboratory evaluation
- Coordination with primary care or another specialist
- Substance-use treatment
- Referral to urgent, emergency, or hospital care when needed
An appointment does not guarantee an anxiety diagnosis, medication prescription, refill, dose change, or specific treatment.
Recommendations depend on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, previous treatment, current medications, functioning, preferences, risks, and safety needs.
Telehealth appointments may be available for eligible patients physically located in Maryland, Washington, DC, or Virginia when virtual care is clinically appropriate.
Some patients may need in-person physical examination, laboratory testing, specialized psychotherapy, medical care, urgent assessment, or hospitalization.
Tinka Health Services is not an emergency service.
For non-emergency anxiety evaluation and treatment, schedule an appointment with Seliat Dosunmu, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C.
Related Anxiety Resources
- Anxiety and Daily Life
- When to Seek Help for Anxiety
- Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
- How Anxiety Can Affect Daily Functioning
- Anxiety Warning Signs
- How Anxiety Is Evaluated
- Preparing for an Anxiety Evaluation
- Questions to Ask About Anxiety
- Anxiety Treatment Options
- Therapy and Practical Support for Anxiety
- Creating a Care Plan for Anxiety
- Medication Management for Anxiety
- What to Expect During Anxiety Medication Follow-Up
- Anxiety Medication Safety and Monitoring
- Telehealth Care for Anxiety in Maryland, DC, and Virginia
- Insurance and Cost Questions for Anxiety Care
- Preparing for Your First Anxiety Appointment
Key Takeaway
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, dread, or uneasiness that may occur as a normal response to stress or uncertainty.
An anxiety disorder is more persistent, difficult to control, and disruptive. It may affect thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, sleep, behavior, relationships, work, school, and self-care.
Common anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Specific phobias
- Agoraphobia
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Selective mutism
Anxiety symptoms can also occur because of medical conditions, medication effects, substance use, withdrawal, depression, trauma-related conditions, or other psychiatric concerns.
A complete evaluation considers the symptoms, duration, triggers, avoidance, daily functioning, medical history, medication use, substance use, and current safety.
Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication management when clinically appropriate, practical support, medical care, or a combination of approaches.
A person does not need to wait until anxiety becomes unbearable before seeking help.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when someone has attempted suicide, has taken an overdose, is experiencing severe psychosis or confusion, has severe chest pain or breathing difficulty, cannot meet basic needs, or cannot remain safe.
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