Dr. Jesalva offers diagnosis and management of anxiety disorders for patients in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, and Camarillo areas of east Ventura County in Southern California.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Although anyone might feel anxious about a test or other possible stressful event, an anxiety disorder is a horse of a different color. The anxiety doesn't go away, even after the test is over, and may just get worse. People with anxiety disorders may become unable to function or make a decision, and anxiety disorder can affect their work, make school difficult or impair relationships.
What Are the Symptoms?
People with anxiety disorders tend to feel restless or constantly on edge. They may tire easily, have difficulty concentrating or “go blank” under stress. Irritability, muscle tension and sleep problems often occur along with anxiety disorders. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to stop worrying about something. Severe anxiety disorders can actually trigger panic attacks. Social phobia (feeling highly anxious about being around people and tending to avoid social activities) is another form of anxiety disorder.
Are There Any Risk Factors?
Genetic and environmental factors interact with each other in anxiety disorders. Women are more likely to develop anxiety disorder than men. Children who are shy or inhibited may develop anxiety disorders in adulthood. External factors -- like being poor, divorced, widowed or exposed to stressful events in childhood or adulthood -- can precipitate an anxiety disorder. Having a close relative with anxiety or mental health disorders increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
How is Anxiety Disorder Treated?
Medications and psychotherapy are both used in treating anxiety disorders, alone or together. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific type of psychotherapy that teaches people how to think, act and react differently in anxiety-provoking situations. It can also help people with social anxiety by teaching social skills. Some people benefit from self-help or support groups. Stress management and lifestyle changes (like avoiding caffeine and getting regular exercise) may be helpful. Patients may need to try different medications or therapies to find what works
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Although anyone might feel anxious about a test or other possible stressful event, an anxiety disorder is a horse of a different color. The anxiety doesn't go away, even after the test is over, and may just get worse. People with anxiety disorders may become unable to function or make a decision, and anxiety disorder can affect their work, make school difficult or impair relationships.
What Are the Symptoms?
People with anxiety disorders tend to feel restless or constantly on edge. They may tire easily, have difficulty concentrating or “go blank” under stress. Irritability, muscle tension and sleep problems often occur along with anxiety disorders. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to stop worrying about something. Severe anxiety disorders can actually trigger panic attacks. Social phobia (feeling highly anxious about being around people and tending to avoid social activities) is another form of anxiety disorder.
Are There Any Risk Factors?
Genetic and environmental factors interact with each other in anxiety disorders. Women are more likely to develop anxiety disorder than men. Children who are shy or inhibited may develop anxiety disorders in adulthood. External factors -- like being poor, divorced, widowed or exposed to stressful events in childhood or adulthood -- can precipitate an anxiety disorder. Having a close relative with anxiety or mental health disorders increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
How is Anxiety Disorder Treated?
Medications and psychotherapy are both used in treating anxiety disorders, alone or together. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a specific type of psychotherapy that teaches people how to think, act and react differently in anxiety-provoking situations. It can also help people with social anxiety by teaching social skills. Some people benefit from self-help or support groups. Stress management and lifestyle changes (like avoiding caffeine and getting regular exercise) may be helpful. Patients may need to try different medications or therapies to find what works