Welcome to California Coast Family Practice!

Our clinician, Cameron Grant DNP, is a Nurse Practitioner who operates under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Dustin Bernard D.O.

Please not that we are not accepting new patients at this time.
 
 

Anxiety Specialist

California Coast Family Practice

Family Medicine located in Atascadero, CA

If you experience constant fear or worry, life can begin to feel overwhelming, but professional help can make the difference. At California Coast Family Practice in Atascadero, California, adult medicine specialist Cameron Grant, DNP, FNP, MPH, MSN, and his skilled staff can treat anxiety to give you the best quality of life possible. Our clinician, Cameron Grant DNP, is a Nurse Practitioner who operates under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Dustin Bernard D.O. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

Anxiety Q&A

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a common mental health disorder in which you experience constant fear or worry during situations that don’t bother many other people. If you struggle with anxiety that negatively affects your job or interpersonal relationships, see the experts at California Coast Family Practice for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Feeling anxious or worried often
  • Increases in heart rate
  • Hyperventilation
  • Excessive sweating or trembling
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Sense of danger, panic, or doom
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Fear in social situations
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Difficulty sleeping 
  • Problems concentrating
  • Gastrointestinal problems

If you have anxiety, you may experience problems falling asleep or staying asleep. You could also find yourself avoiding situations that trigger anxious feelings.

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

While anyone can develop anxiety, common risk factors for developing it include:

  • Ongoing stress
  • Past trauma
  • Illnesses
  • Diseases
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Other mental health disorders
  • Family history of anxiety
  • Drug or alcohol use

Some common triggers that could provoke anxiety include driving over large bridges, riding in elevators, flying in airplanes, being in enclosed spaces, or being in large groups of people. 

How does my provider diagnose anxiety?

Your California Coast Family Practice specialist lets you know if you have anxiety after discussing your symptoms and your medical history with you. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order blood tests or other diagnostic tests if needed.

Your provider asks you a series of questions during a comprehensive psychiatric assessment to detect or rule out anxiety and other mental health challenges. 

What are common treatments for anxiety?

Common treatments for anxiety include:

Counseling

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including exposure therapy, is an excellent way to reduce anxiety triggers or improve how you deal with them.

Medications

Taking certain medications can dramatically reduce unpleasant anxiety symptoms and give you the best quality of life possible. 

Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes can diminish anxiety symptoms. Examples include eating nutritious foods, practicing stress-reduction strategies, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Avoid using drugs, smoking, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

To learn more about anxiety or get treated for it, call the California Coast Family Practice office or schedule a visit online today.