Anxiety
Anxiety is a common and exhausting mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is crucial to understand what anxiety is. Its relationship with depression, its symptoms, available screening tools like the GAD7, and the various treatment options.
What is Anxiety
Anxiety is a sense of tension, continued thoughts, and physical changes like high blood pressure. Anxiety disorders are characterized by repeated intrusive thoughts or concerns. Individuals experiencing anxiety often find it challenging to control their thoughts and may anticipate adverse outcomes
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
One of the aspects of anxiety and depression is that they enjoy company. Someone apprehensive most of the time may begin to feel depressed and hopeless, and these feelings may progress to depression. Similarly, when someone is feeling low and depressed and possibly battling with poor energy or motivation, this can lead to concerns about coping with daily chores. People may grow apprehensive about going to work, seeing friends, or trying new activities.
- THE GAD7 SCREENING TOOL
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7) questionnaire is a widely used anxiety symptoms screening tool. It comprises seven questions that aid in determining the extent of anxiety disorder. The GAD7 is a vital tool for healthcare providers to use in diagnosing and monitoring patient anxiety. Regular GAD7 assessments can provide insights into effective treatment and modification requirements.
- Anxiety Treatment
Fortunately, anxiety is a treatable condition, and various approaches can be practical. Two primary treatment options are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): In it, individuals’ patterns and behaviors are identified as problematic thoughts. It provides them with coping methods for efficiently managing anxiety.
- Medication: In cases of severe or persistent anxiety, medication may be administered.
Common pharmaceuticals are:
- Selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
- Serotonergic noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs),
- Benzodiazepines and other medicines.
Personal preference, the degree of symptoms, and treatment availability all influence the decision between CBT and medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Holts Healthcare does offer medication refills. You must have a valid prescription and follow the recommendations of your healthcare practitioner for refills.
Anxiety appointments require the completion of the GAD-7 scale assessment. This assessment helps us understand the severity of your anxiety symptoms and the plan of treatment needed. We can also prescribe telemedicine as we care for your time and privacy.
Follow-up for anxiety commonly ranges from 1 to 3 months. The specific follow-up schedule will depend on the individual’s treatment plan and progress. Keep connected with your telehealth – Holts Healthcare for follow-up appointment
Prescription transfers are performed between pharmacies. You should contact the pharmacy, and the staff will guide you through the process.