Anxiety

Anxiety and panic attacks are the most common form of anxiety disorders, affecting 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 which come without warning, and without any apparent reason. About one percent of the global population experiences a panic attack at some point.

Chronic panic attacks can become debilitating; those experiencing them should seek treatment before beginning to avoid places or situations where panic attacks have occurred. These episodes 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 deeper causes.  Depending on the severity of the problem, there are natural supplements which 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 regain well-being.

Many women in menopause develop anxiety disorders – some moderate, 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, anxiety, and other mood disorders in women.

Dr. Roberts can help anxiety issues due to life events, hormonal imbalances, and other causes, because she delivers a multifaceted approach using hormones, supplements, and medications, as well as diet and lifestyle changes.