Anxiety Specialist

Kudos Medical -  - Board Certified Internal Medicine

Kudos Medical

Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Chittenango, NY & Dewitt, NY

If you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 18% of adults and 25% of young adults live with anxiety. Fortunately, Ife Ojugbeli, MD, and the team at Kudos Medical are experts in diagnosing and managing anxiety in patients of all ages. At the offices in Chittenango and Dewitt, New York, they can incorporate a combination of therapy and medication into anxiety treatment plans, providing the most comprehensive care possible. Call the office or schedule a consultation online to learn more.

Anxiety Q & A

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses characterized by feelings of worry or fear that can affect the way you react to everyday situations.  

While everybody experiences anxiety at some point — during a job interview, stress at work, a major life change, etc. — those with an anxiety disorder often feel on edge in their day-to-day life.

Are there different types of anxiety?

There are several types of anxiety you could suffer from, including:

Generalized anxiety disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by feelings of worry and fear over certain activities, especially those that may break routine.

Social anxiety disorder

Those with social anxiety feel extremely anxious and uncomfortable in social situations, particularly in large groups or when meeting new people.

Panic disorder

Panic disorder brings about sudden, intense bouts of fear or impending doom that may make it difficult to breathe.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD causes obsessive thoughts, compulsions, and repetitive behaviors that can affect your daily life. 

There are many different types of anxiety, so talk to your provider about your symptoms if you think you may have an anxiety disorder.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Some of the most common anxiety symptoms to watch out for are:

  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Shallow breathing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Feeling of panic or intense fear
  • Difficulties concentrating
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive sweating
  • Feeling out of control

 

Anxiety can even contribute to gastrointestinal problems, as persistent worry makes it difficult for your body to digest properly.

How is anxiety treated?

After a comprehensive evaluation, during which your provider observes your behavior and mannerisms, reviews your family and medical history, and discusses your symptoms, they can create an individualized treatment plan to manage your anxiety.

Most anxiety treatment plans include one or more of the following:

Individual therapy

Kudos Medical offers different types of individual therapy to manage anxiety. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely used to treat anxiety disorders, as it addresses negative patterns that contribute to anxiety and helps change the way you react to certain triggers. 

For those with extreme phobias, your provider at Kudos Medical may recommend exposure therapy, which slowly exposes you to the situations or objects you fear to help you regain control.

Group therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a small group type of therapy that helps you learn the skills to better process and handle negative thoughts.  

ACT therapy in a group setting can help you feel more present and in control of your own life, encouraging you to pursue a path of greater fulfillment in life.

Medication management

Depending on your unique situation, your provider may prescribe certain anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants to help you manage your anxiety. 

Along with therapy, expertly managed medications keep anxiety symptoms at bay, so you can feel more in control of your life.

The team at Kudos Medical is experienced in diagnosing and managing anxiety. For more information, call Kudos Medical or book an appointment online.