Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety and panic attacks are the most common form of anxiety disorders, afflicting an estimated 2.4 million Americans annually. They are twice as common in women as in men. While anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and helps one cope with everyday life, it can become a disabling disorder when it becomes excessive, causing irrational dread of everyday situations.

Anxiety attacks are accompanied by physical effects such as heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain, shortness of breath, stomach aches, and headaches. Physically, the body prepares to deal with what it perceives as a threat. Blood pressure, heart rate, blood flow to muscle groups, and sweating increase; immune and digestive system functions are inhibited. External signs of anxiety may include paleness, sweating, and trembling.

Panic attacks are sudden surges of overwhelming fear that that come without warning and without any apparent reason. It is far more intense than having anxiety or the “stressed out” feeling that most people experience. About one percent of people worldwide will experience a panic attack at some point during their lifetime.

People who have chronic panic attacks can become disabled by their condition and should seek treatment before they start to avoid places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. Panic attacks are not intrinsically dangerous, but they can be terrifying because the person feels out of control. Panic disorders are also frightening because they may lead to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, or medical complications.

Many medical practitioners are trained to provide prescription or narcotic drugs for anxiety relief, but Dr. Roberts’ additional education allows her to look toward the deeper cause of these attacks.  Depending on the severity of the problem, there are natural supplements that can be taken for long-lasting relief which are not addictive or habit-forming.  There are no withdrawal symptoms associated with these supplements and patients report significant results. Dr. Roberts also prescribes medications, if necessary, to help the patient rediscover wellbeing.

Many women in menopause develop anxiety disorders, some moderate and some severe, which may require a complete hormone panel workup. It is suggested that the neuromodulatory effect of estrogens may contribute to a greater risk of depression and anxiety in women as well as other mood disorders. We can help anxiety issues due to life events, hormone imbalances, and other causes because we offer a multifaceted approach using hormones, supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes.