Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a natural human response—it can sharpen focus, heighten awareness, and even improve performance when we’re facing challenges such as giving a speech, sitting an exam, or navigating a stressful situation. In its healthy form, anxiety helps us stay alert to danger and correct mistakes. Everyone experiences these feelings from time to time, and usually, they fade once the stressful moment passes. 

For some, however, feelings of unease don’t go away. Instead, they linger, intensify, and interfere with daily life. When anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can trigger a range of physical and psychological symptoms. If this sounds familiar, take comfort in knowing that anxiety disorders are treatable, and many people fully recover with the right support. 

What Exactly Are Anxiety Disorders? 

What begins as a helpful defense mechanism can, in some individuals, evolve into a disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by ongoing worry, fear, or apprehension that disrupts everyday life and prevents people from feeling at ease.

 There are several types of anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), and various phobias. These conditions can occur on their own or alongside other mental health challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. In severe cases, untreated anxiety may contribute to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

 Generalized Anxiety Disorder, one of the most common forms, involves relentless worry and difficulty controlling negative thoughts. People with GAD may catastrophize—assuming the worst possible outcomes—and find it hard to enjoy activities, maintain relationships, or focus at work. Loved ones may see their fears as exaggerated or irrational, but to the person living with anxiety, the distress is very real. 

Anxiety affects millions worldwide, with an estimated one in ten people experiencing it at some point in their lives. The encouraging news is that with professional guidance, most individuals see significant improvement and are able to regain balance and well-being. 

At the Brain and Mind Healing Center, Dr. Kotbi—a quintuple board-certified physician with over two decades of experience—brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the treatment of anxiety disorders. As a distinguished educator and clinician, Dr. Kotbi provides a comprehensive care approach, combining expert diagnostic skills with personalized treatment planning for patients with complex co-morbidities. His expertise spans psychiatric, neurological, medical, and addiction disorders, allowing for compassionate and holistic care. This approach includes personalized evaluations, ongoing medication management, and second-opinion consultations, with collaborative behavioral support from licensed therapists when necessary. 

Signs to Watch For

● Persistent or excessive worrying
● Avoiding social situations or wanting to escape
● Racing thoughts and restlessness
● Feeling easily irritated
● Panic attacks
● Difficulty concentrating
● Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue
● Sweating, muscle tension, or headaches
● Heart palpitations
● Feelings of detachment or dissociation 11