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Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety & Related Disorders

Also known as: Anxiety Disorders

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Key takeaways

  • Anxiety disorders are common and highly treatable medical conditions.
  • The core sign is persistent, excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life.
  • Psychiatric evaluation and medication management help most people regain calm.
  • Seek help when worry is hard to control or affects sleep, work, or relationships.

What anxiety feels like

Anxiety is more than ordinary stress — it is persistent, excessive worry or fear that can interfere with sleep, focus, and daily life. Physical symptoms like a racing heart or restlessness are common.

How psychiatric care helps

A psychiatric evaluation clarifies what is happening, and medication management can meaningfully reduce symptoms. We can also coordinate therapy referrals when that would help.

Anxiety care in Long Beach and greater Los Angeles

We treat anxiety in person at our Long Beach office and by secure telehealth across greater Los Angeles and all of California — same-week appointments are often available.

Sources: NIMH — Anxiety Disorders, Mayo Clinic.

Signs & symptoms

  • Persistent or excessive worry
  • Restlessness or feeling on edge
  • Racing heart, shortness of breath
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

Causes & risk factors

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the United States and can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

Causes

  • A combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors
  • Differences in the brain's stress and fear responses
  • Stressful or traumatic life experiences

Risk factors

  • Family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions
  • Ongoing stress, trauma, or major life changes
  • Certain physical health conditions or substance use
  • Being naturally more sensitive to stress (temperament)

Possible complications

  • Trouble with sleep, work, or relationships
  • Depression or other co-occurring conditions
  • Using alcohol or other substances to cope

How it's diagnosed

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
  • Validated screening tools (e.g., GAD-7)
  • Medical work-up to rule out other causes

Treatment options

ServiceWhat it's for
Medication ManagementCareful prescribing, monitoring, and adjustment of psychiatric medications to maximize benefit and minimize side effects.
Psychiatric EvaluationA thorough first assessment to understand your history and symptoms and build an accurate diagnosis and plan.

Prevention

  • Early treatment of symptoms
  • Stress management and strong social support
  • Ongoing follow-up and medication management when needed

When to seek help

If symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life, a psychiatric evaluation can help. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text988 now — free, 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

Frequently asked questions

Is anxiety treatable without therapy?

Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management are effective on their own, and we can coordinate therapy referrals when helpful.

When should I seek help for anxiety?

When worry is persistent, hard to control, or interferes with work, sleep, or relationships, a psychiatric evaluation can help.

Where can I get anxiety treatment in Long Beach or Los Angeles?

Breakthrough Mental Health treats anxiety in person at our Long Beach, CA office and by secure telehealth across greater Los Angeles and all of California.

Related conditions

Providers who treat this

Sources

Medically reviewed by Irine Achuamang, MSN, PMHNP-BC. Last reviewed June 30, 2026.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional care. In crisis? Call or text 988.

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