What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than occasional worry or pre-test nerves. It may feel like racing thoughts, a tight chest, avoidance, irritability, or fear that does not respond to reassurance. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we identify the emotional, behavioral, and physiological patterns driving anxiety and build a care plan tailored to your child, teen, or young adult.

Common Signs by Age

  • Ages 5–12: school refusal, stomachaches, frequent reassurance seeking, perfectionism, separation worries, and bedtime struggles
  • Ages 13–18: panic or near-panic episodes, avoidance, irritability, social withdrawal, overachievement with burnout, and sleep disruption
  • Ages 19–25: generalized worry, performance anxiety, transition stress related to college or work, procrastination driven by fear, and somatic tension

Our Anxiety Treatment Approach

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5-TR-informed clinical assessment and safety review
  • Evidence-based therapy strategies including CBT, exposure-based skills, emotional regulation tools, and mindfulness-based coping supports
  • Medication management when clinically indicated, with careful titration, monitoring, and shared decision-making
  • Parent collaboration and school or college support when accommodations, advocacy, or environmental adjustments are needed

Worry Constellation (At a Glance)

What-ifs Perfectionism Social fears Panic sensations Health worries School pressure Separation fears Sleep worry
Calm Breathing 4–6 cycle

Reducing physiological arousal first makes coping skills easier to access and use consistently.

Exposure Steps Graded

Small, repeatable exposure steps reduce avoidance and gradually build confidence.

Sleep Regularity ±30–45 min

Anchored sleep supports mood regulation, concentration, and overall resilience under stress.

Cognitive Reframing CBT

Identifying and challenging distorted thinking reduces the intensity and persistence of worry.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is anxiety just stress? Not always. Stress can be temporary, but anxiety often becomes clinically significant when it begins to interfere with school, relationships, sleep, daily routines, or emotional functioning.
  • Do you use medication? Sometimes. We prioritize a thoughtful evaluation and evidence-based skills first, and we use medication when the expected benefits outweigh the risks and it is clinically appropriate.
  • Do you coordinate with schools? Yes. We can provide documentation and collaborate around school accommodations when clinically indicated.
💛 Book an Anxiety Evaluation View Anxiety Resources

Anxiety FAQ & Resources

  • Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear that goes beyond normal stress. They can interfere with daily life, causing physical symptoms like racing heart, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.

  • ✔ Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Constant, excessive worry about everyday life situations
    ✔ Panic Disorder – Sudden, intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
    ✔ Social Anxiety Disorder – Extreme fear of social situations and judgment from others
    ✔ Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety
    ✔ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Anxiety following a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened stress response
    ✔ Phobias – Intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities

  • Anxiety disorders can develop from a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, personality traits, and life experiences. Stress, trauma, and major life changes can also trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.

  • Anxiety is diagnosed through a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that assesses your symptoms, medical history, and daily functioning. At SHIELD Psychiatry, we offer telehealth-based anxiety assessments to create a personalized treatment plan.

  • ✔ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – The gold-standard therapy for identifying and changing negative thought patterns
    ✔ Medication Management – Anti-anxiety medications, such as SSRIs or benzodiazepines, when appropriate
    ✔ Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques – Meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress
    ✔ Lifestyle Adjustments – Exercise, diet, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques

  • Yes! Many people manage anxiety effectively through CBT, mindfulness techniques, lifestyle changes, and structured therapy. Medication can be helpful for some, but non-medication approaches are highly effective and long-lasting.

  • ✔ Practice grounding techniques – 5-4-3-2-1 method (name five things you see, four things you feel, etc.)
    ✔ Use controlled breathing – Slow, deep breaths help calm the nervous system
    ✔ Limit caffeine and stimulants – Reduce coffee, energy drinks, and excessive sugar intake
    ✔ Set realistic goals – Break tasks into manageable steps to reduce feeling overwhelmed
    ✔ Seek professional support – Therapy and structured techniques can provide lasting relief

  • You can schedule an anxiety evaluation or consultation by filling out our online form or contacting us directly. Our telehealth services make it easy and accessible to receive expert care from the comfort of your home.

Anxiety Resources & Support

Quick Help

Apps & Tools for Anxiety Relief

Books (Skills-Based)

Trusted Websites & Organizations

Resources are educational and do not replace professional care. If symptoms are severe or worsening, seek urgent evaluation.