Condition guide
Anxiety Disorders
When the alarm system won't switch off
Overview
Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that is out of proportion to the actual threat and that narrows your life over time.
They are the most common mental health conditions in the United States — and among the most treatable. Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular has one of the strongest evidence bases in all of medicine.
Common symptoms
- Excessive worry that's hard to control
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness
- Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach problems
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Irritability and poor concentration
- Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic and temperamental predisposition
- Overactive threat-detection circuitry in the amygdala
- Trauma or chronic unpredictable stress
- Learned avoidance that reinforces fear over time
- Medical factors including thyroid conditions, caffeine, and stimulants
Treatment options we offer
- CBT with exposure-based methods, the first-line treatment
- Skills training in regulation, breathing, and distress tolerance
- Trauma-informed therapy where trauma drives the anxiety
- TMS when anxious depression is present alongside anxiety
- Coordination with your prescriber if medication is part of the plan
Therapy approaches used
- CBT and exposure therapy
- Acceptance and mindfulness-based skills
- EMDR for trauma-driven anxiety
- Family sessions for child and teen anxiety
How TMS fits in
TMS is FDA-cleared for anxious depression — depression with prominent anxiety symptoms. It is not a standalone treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, but when depression and anxiety co-occur, TMS often improves both.
Learn more about TMS therapyFrequently asked questions
Services that treat Anxiety Disorders
Start with one conversation
Tell us what you've tried. We'll confirm eligibility, verify your benefits, and map out what treatment would look like.