Anxiety Specialist
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Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa
Richard A Smith, DO
Psychiatry located in Tampa, FL
Anxiety disorders affect over 18% of the population at any given time. If feeling anxious makes everyday tasks or social situations feel uncomfortable, help is within reach at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. Psychiatrist Richard Smith, DO, uses evidence-based treatments, including medical marijuana, to ease anxiety symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Schedule an evaluation over the phone or online today.
Anxiety Q&A
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental health condition that affects the way you respond to certain situations. It can make you feel anxious or worried about things that don’t affect most other people. With anxiety, you might avoid everyday tasks, feel uncomfortable, or get anxious in social situations. Treatment at Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa can offer you relief.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Feeling tense
- A sense of doom or panic
- Sweating or trembling
- Constant worry
- Avoiding anxiety-causing situations
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Sleeping problems
- Rapid breathing, sweating, or trembling
Just about everybody experiences anxiety symptoms every now and then. But if they occur regularly and diminish your quality of life, visit Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for anxiety?
Anybody can develop anxiety, but certain factors increase your risk of developing it, such as:
- Chronic health conditions
- Traumatic life events
- Other mental health disorders
- Family history of anxiety
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Chronic or severe stress
Complications associated with anxiety might include low self-esteem, depression, social isolation, problems at work or school, physical health issues, and a poor quality of life.
How is anxiety diagnosed?
To diagnose anxiety, your psychiatrist reviews your medical history and completes a physical exam. They rule out physical problems that may contribute to anxiety, ask questions about your symptoms, and complete a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to find out if you have anxiety, other mental health disorders, or both.
What is the treatment for anxiety?
Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa personalizes anxiety treatments based on the severity of your anxiety, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Your psychiatrist uses evidence-based solutions, including:
Medical marijuana
Medical marijuana is a natural way to relieve anxiety symptoms. Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa has licensure from the state of Florida to diagnose approved mental health conditions eligible for medical marijuana use, and can help you obtain a medical marijuana card.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, helps you learn coping strategies to deal with anxiety in an effective way. It’s useful for dealing with symptoms of depression that might accompany anxiety. Your psychiatrist might also refer you to a support group.
Medications
Taking medications can relieve anxiety symptoms to help you function better in your environment and during simple everyday tasks. Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa uses pharmacogenetics to personalize each treatment based on your genetic makeup.
Lifestyle changes
Making lifestyle changes can reduce anxiety symptoms to boost your quality of life. Examples include getting regular exercise, avoiding recreational drugs and alcohol, not smoking, cutting back on caffeine, stress management, healthy eating, and getting plenty of sleep.
Don’t live with anxiety symptoms that make you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Schedule an evaluation with Florida Behavioral Medicine of Tampa over the phone or online today.
