Anxiety: Symptoms, Types, Causes, and Treatment

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros understands that anxiety can show up in many different ways, often affecting both your mind and body. Anxiety is a common emotional response to stress, but when it becomes persistent or overwhelming, it can significantly affect a person’s well-being. The symptoms of anxiety can vary, ranging from physical to emotional effects. Understanding these symptoms can help individuals recognize when they may need support or treatment.

Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Persistent worry or fear
• Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Trembling or shaking
• Muscle tension or soreness
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Restlessness or feeling on edge
• Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Headaches or tension headaches
• Feeling easily fatigued or drained

If you experience any of these symptoms frequently or if they interfere with your daily life, it’s important to seek professional support. Anxiety is treatable, and there are various strategies and therapies available to help manage and reduce symptoms. Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros understands that anxiety manifests differently for each individual. While experiencing anxiety from time to time is normal, persistent symptoms may require professional support. Dr. Flanigan Landeros specializes in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, OCD, and related concerns, offering a compassionate environment to help individuals manage and understand their symptoms.

At Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we understand that anxiety is a complex emotional response shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. The main cause of anxiety is often a combination of factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological influences.

Genetics can make some people more predisposed to anxiety, while stressful life events such as trauma, abuse, or major life changes can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, imbalances in brain chemistry, specifically in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Chronic stress, health conditions, and certain substances, such as caffeine or alcohol, can also contribute to anxiety. Each individual’s experience with anxiety is unique, and it may arise from a complex interaction of these factors.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros emphasizes that anxiety is a complex condition with many potential causes, and understanding the underlying factors is crucial in managing it effectively. With personalized treatment plans and a compassionate approach, Dr. Flanigan Landeros works with individuals to address the root causes of their anxiety and develop strategies for coping and healing. If you’re struggling with anxiety, seeking professional support can help you regain control and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros understands that anxiety is a natural part of life and something everyone experiences, especially during stressful times. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or starts to interfere with your daily routines, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety can be classified as a mental illness when it becomes persistent and overwhelming, affecting daily functioning. Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias, involve excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with a person’s ability to manage everyday activities. While anxiety is a normal stress reaction, when it becomes chronic or disproportionate to the situation, it can be considered a mental health condition. Treatment options like therapy and medication can help individuals manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Dr. Flanigan Landeros and her team are skilled in providing comprehensive assessments and evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and, when appropriate, coordination with medical providers regarding medication management. If you or a loved one is struggling with excessive worry, fear, or avoidance behaviors, know that effective help is available. We are committed to helping you understand your symptoms and develop personalized strategies for managing anxiety so you can regain control and improve your well-being.

Treatment for anxiety at Dr. Katie Flanigan Landeros’ clinic typically involves a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and, when necessary, medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a core treatment, helping individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Exposure therapy, a specialized form of CBT, helps patients gradually face anxiety-provoking situations to develop effective coping strategies.

Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, mindfulness, deep-breathing exercises, and better sleep routines are encouraged to support long-term anxiety management. Dr. Flanigan Landeros works closely with each individual to create a personalized treatment plan that may also include medication if appropriate, ensuring the best approach for managing anxiety and improving overall well-being.

Dr. Katie Flanigan-Landeros, a licensed clinical psychologist, helps patients manage anxiety through a tailored, evidence-based approach. She combines effective therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address the individual needs of each patient.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Personalized Treatment: Dr. Flanigan-Landeros begins with a thorough assessment to understand the unique challenges and life circumstances of each patient. This allows her to create a personalized treatment plan that directly targets the root causes of anxiety, ensuring the therapy aligns with the patient’s goals.

Targeted Therapeutic Approaches: By using a combination of CBT, ERP, and ACT, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros helps patients identify negative thought patterns, gradually face anxiety-inducing situations, and develop acceptance and psychological flexibility. These therapies work together to reduce anxiety and help patients live in line with their values.

Ongoing Support and Telehealth Options: Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros provides ongoing support, adjusting treatment plans as needed to ensure continuous progress. For added convenience, telehealth options are available, allowing patients to access her services.

Through these tailored therapies and continuous care, Dr. Flanigan-Landeros empowers her patients to effectively manage their anxiety and lead more fulfilling lives. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.