Anxiety: Signs, Screening, and Treatment Options
Anxiety can affect sleep, focus, relationships, and daily life, but with the right care, is entirely treatable. Use this guide to understand symptoms, how screening works, and available treatment options.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is when the body’s alarm system activates too often or too strongly. You may feel tense, restless, or on edge even when no danger is present. There are different anxiety conditions, including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobias. Only a clinician can diagnose a specific type.
Common Signs of Anxiety
In Your Body
Fast heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, shaking, stomach issues, headaches, or trouble sleeping.
In Your Mind
Racing thoughts, frequent “what ifs,” fear of losing control, dread, or difficulty concentrating.
In Daily Life
Avoiding places or tasks, canceling plans, seeking frequent reassurance, or falling behind at school or work.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If you have severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or thoughts of self-harm, use your local emergency number now. Online information cannot manage emergencies.
Anxiety and Substance Use
Some people use alcohol or substances to cope with anxiety or sleep problems. This can worsen anxiety, disrupt sleep, and increase safety risks. Integrated care treats anxiety and substance use together, combining skills, support, and medication when appropriate.
How Anxiety Is Evaluated
A licensed clinician will:
- Review symptoms, health history, sleep, and substance use
- Use brief screening tools to identify patterns
- Rule out other conditions such as medical issues, trauma, ADHD, or depression
- Recommend a level of care based on safety and daily functioning
Anxiety Treatment Options
Care is based on your goals, safety needs, and schedule. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
Therapy Approaches
- CBT to identify and change anxious thought patterns
- Exposure-based strategies using gradual practice
- DBT skills for mindfulness and emotion regulation
- Sleep-focused skills to support rest and routines
- Family sessions, with consent, to strengthen support
Medication Options
A prescriber may discuss options such as SSRIs or SNRIs, or other non-addictive medications. Benzodiazepines are used cautiously due to safety and dependence risks, especially when substance use is present.
Levels of Care
- Outpatient and telehealth with weekly sessions
- IOP with multiple sessions per week
- PHP with structured daytime care on most weekdays
- Inpatient or residential care with 24/7 support when risks are high
Coping Skills to Practice Now
These strategies can support treatment but are not a cure.
- Box breathing using a 4-4-4-4 count
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding with the senses
- A daily worry window limited to 10 minutes
- Reducing triggers like caffeine and late-night screen use
- Gradual exposure to one avoided task
Guidance for Loved Ones
If someone you know is struggling with anxiety, offer support without pressure. Help for loved ones includes guidance with scheduling or transportation, set kind boundaries, and avoid reassurance cycles. Family sessions or support groups may help.
Insurance and Cost Questions
Coverage varies by plan. Ask about in-network providers, telehealth benefits, visit limits, and pre-authorization. Programs can verify benefits, but insurers confirm final costs.
FAQs
Is anxiety the same as stress?
Stress usually passes. Anxiety tends to persist and interfere with daily life. Screening can help clarify.
Is medication required?
No. Many people improve with therapy and skills alone. Medication is an option when appropriate.
How soon will treatment help?
Some notice improvement within weeks when skills are practiced regularly. Medication may take longer.
Are panic attacks dangerous?
They feel intense but are usually time-limited. New or severe physical symptoms require medical evaluation.
Can I work or attend school during treatment?
Often yes. Outpatient and IOP options are designed to fit work and school schedules.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.