Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders

What We Treat

Anxiety Disorders

Learn about anxiety disorders, common symptoms, and treatment approaches at Westwood Institute.

About Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can involve excessive fear, worry, avoidance, panic, and physical symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms may include excessive worry, avoidance, sleep disruption, panic sensations, and difficulty concentrating.

Treatment Approach

Treatment is personalized and evidence based, with strategies selected for each patient's symptom pattern.

Your questions, answered

Frequently asked questions about Anxiety Disorders

When does anxiety become an anxiety disorder?

Anxiety may warrant evaluation when fear or worry persists, is difficult to manage, or interferes with daily life. An assessment considers the pattern, duration, and impact of symptoms.

Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Anxiety can involve physical symptoms such as tension or a racing heart. Physical symptoms can also have other causes, so new or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with a medical professional.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

Treatment commonly involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. CBT can help people address anxiety-related thinking and avoidance. The approach depends on the specific anxiety disorder and individual needs.

Can more than one anxiety disorder occur together?

Yes. Anxiety disorders can overlap with each other and with other mental health conditions. A comprehensive assessment helps identify which concerns need to be addressed in treatment.

Further reading: National Institute of Mental Health