Anxiety Disorders & Treatments in Pleasanton
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common condition defined as chronic anxious excessive worry for at least six months that causes distress or impairment. Key symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include restlessness or nervousness, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance.
To meet a diagnosis of GAD, at least three of the six symptoms must be present. The diagnostic process is also in part a diagnosis of exclusion: medical conditions, medications or substances, and other mental disorders should be ruled out as a primary cause. Physical examination and laboratory studies are generally normal if no coexisting medical problems or substance abuse issues exist.
Anxiety treatment can include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. As a trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Alex Anastasiou has experience with the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults in the Pleasanton area.
Panic Disorder & Anxiety Attacks
Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks, in addition to worry about future attacks, over a one-month period. Those with panic disorder will also experience changes in behavior as a consequence of the attacks.
It is not uncommon for panic disorder to be at a higher risk among first-degree relatives. Typically, the onset of anxiety or panic attacks is triggered by stress. Panic disorder is commonly comorbid with other anxiety, mood, and substance-use disorders.
Assessment of panic attacks is made through ruling out organic causes; self-report; clinical interview; and behavioral observation. Following an assessment, psychiatrists can determine the best course of action for treatment. Dr. Anastasiou specializes in patients suffering from panic disorder. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy are first-line treatments.
Through a patient-focused approach, Dr. Anastasiou can determine the best course of treatment for you, from prescribing SSRIs to recommending therapy. Long-term management of panic disorder includes relapse prevention after discontinuing treatment.
If you are suffering from panic attacks, anxiety attacks, or panic disorder, contact Dr. Alex Anastasiou for treatment in Pleasanton, CA.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is characterized by an excessive fear of social and performance situations where the individual is afraid of being embarrassed or negatively evaluated by others. It is one of the most common and impairing mental disorders with a high risk for comorbid anxiety, depressive, and substance-use/abuse-related disorders.
Social anxiety can lead to debilitating consequences if left untreated, such as agoraphobia, in addition to making everyday tasks and interactions feel like a battle. Dr. Anastasiou specializes in patients with various anxiety issues.
To seek assessment and treatment for social anxiety near San Ramon and Danville, contact Dr. Alex Anastasiou, a renowned psychiatrist based in Pleasanton. To schedule a new patient appointment, please call 925-425-0191.
Professional Anxiety Assessment in Pleasanton
Assessment of anxiety is based on a multitude of factors, including self-reporting, clinical interview, and behavioral observation. Through this methodology, mental health professionals can deduce whether a patient is experiencing a form of anxiety, and if so, they may propose a treatment plan.
First-line treatments of anxiety include different types of medications and therapy, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
When looking to treat anxiety long-term, clinical management and monitoring are typically required, as patients are prone to relapse following discontinuation of acute treatment.
Dr. Alex Anastasiou offers professional anxiety assessments and treatment near San Ramon, Dublin, and Livermore. To schedule a new patient appointment, please contact his office in Pleasanton by phone at 925-425-0191 during business hours, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.