Michael Lara, MD

Our Services / Anxiety

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Anxiety services offered in Belmont, CA

If you experience fear, panic, or worry in situations that don’t usually bother other people, anxiety could be to blame. At his practice in Belmont, California, board-certified psychiatrist Michael Lara, MD, offers highly effective treatments for anxiety to improve your quality of life. Call his office to learn more or book an appointment online today.

Anxiety Q & A

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health challenge that causes you to feel fearful or anxious in situations that don’t usually bother other people. While nearly everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, ongoing or severe anxiety might negatively affect your job, family, and other interpersonal relationships. 

Common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Panic disorder causes intense, sudden feelings of anxiety, fear, or terror, as well as a pounding heartbeat and shortness of breath. Social anxiety disorder makes you feel anxious when you’re in social situations or around larger groups of people.

Treatment with Michael Lara, MD, can reduce anxious feelings and help you thrive at work, school, and in relationships. 

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Common signs of anxiety disorders include:

  • Sweating and trembling
  • Severe, ongoing fear or worry
  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness
  • Constant tension
  • Sense of impending doom, panic, or danger
  • Increased heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Trouble concentrating 
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Problems controlling worry
  • Physical aches and pains
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Avoiding things that trigger anxiety
  • Suicide or thoughts of suicide

Complications of untreated anxiety may include depression, insomnia, substance misuse, social isolation, and problems at work or school. In addition, you may experience bowel or digestive problems, headaches, ongoing pain, or poor quality of life.

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health condition, but factors that increase your risk of experiencing it include:

  • Having a chronic disease
  • Childhood trauma
  • Ongoing stress
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Certain personality traits
  • Having another mental health disorder
  • Family history of anxiety 

Getting regular exercise, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and seeking early treatment are the best ways to prevent anxiety or severe symptoms of the disease.

How does my doctor diagnose anxiety?

Dr. Lara diagnoses anxiety after reviewing your symptoms and medical history. During a comprehensive psychiatric assessment, he asks questions about your thought and behavior patterns, mood, lifestyle habits, and more. He offers virtual telemedicine visits if you prefer speaking with him from the comfort of your home or office.

How is anxiety treated?

To reduce or eliminate anxiety, Dr. Lara could recommend:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes that can reduce anxiety include:

  • Staying physically active
  • Not smoking
  • Avoiding alcohol and drugs
  • Using stress-reduction techniques

Eat nutritious foods and get plenty of sleep. Surround yourself with a strong social support network.

Medication management

Taking medications can also diminish anxiety symptoms and restore your quality of life. Dr. Lara often combines medication management with lifestyle changes and counseling.

To get relief from anxiety symptoms, call Michael Lara, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.