Anxiety THerapy In Washington D.C.

Peace of mind is possible.

Anxiety is a mental health condition in which you experience excessive nervousness, worry, or fear to the point that it interferes with your everyday life. It’s normal to experience anxiety from time to time, but if your feelings are ongoing and affecting your quality of life, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. With an emphasis on lifestyle, Dr. Beaton’s goal is to treat the root cause of your feelings, so you can get a full resolution of your condition. 

Dr. Beaton conducts comprehensive evaluations to identify the root cause of your anxiety so you can get the most effective treatment. In addition to asking in-depth questions about your symptoms, medical history, diet, and lifestyle, Dr. Beaton also conducts a physical exam and may run various tests to rule out the physical causes of your anxiety.

What Are Some Common Symptoms of Anxiety?

​​The symptoms of anxiety are broad and can encompass emotional, physical, and cognitive manifestations:

• Emotional Symptoms:

• Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or tension.

• A sense of impending danger, panic, or dread.

• Irritability or feeling on edge.

• Difficulty controlling worry.

• A feeling of detachment or unreality.

• Physical Symptoms:

• Increased heart rate (palpitations).

• Rapid breathing (hyperventilation).

• Sweating.

• Trembling or shaking.

• Feeling weak or tired.

• Stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea.

• Headaches or muscle tension.

• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).

• Cognitive Symptoms:

• Trouble concentrating or focusing.

• Difficulty making decisions.

• Obsessive thoughts or compulsions.

• Rumination (getting stuck on a thought or worry).

What Causes Anxiety? 

Anxiety disorders are complex and often result from a combination of factors:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders suggests a genetic predisposition.

• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) like serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA can affect mood and anxiety levels.

• Environmental Factors: Stress from work, relationships, financial pressures, or significant life changes (e.g., divorce, death of a loved one).

• Trauma: Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse or accidents, can lead to anxiety disorders like PTSD.

• Medical Conditions: As mentioned, certain physical health conditions can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.

• Substance Abuse: Alcohol, caffeine, illicit drugs, and even withdrawal from certain medications can induce or exacerbate anxiety.

• Personality: Certain personality traits, like shyness or behavioral inhibition in childhood, can be linked to anxiety.

Your treatment plan is individualized to meet your specific needs. This could include:

• Anti-anxiety medication

• General counseling

• Diet modification

• Exercise program

• Specialist referral