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CAPTAPsychiatry · Brian Still, MD

Care

Anxiety & panic

Anxiety becomes a problem when it starts running your schedule: avoiding situations, losing sleep, or bracing for panic attacks.

Signs it may be time to get help

  • Worry that is hard to control and present most days
  • Sudden surges of fear with a racing heart, shortness of breath or dizziness
  • Avoiding places, people or situations because of anxiety
  • Muscle tension, restlessness or trouble sleeping

How I evaluate it

We sort out which anxiety disorder fits best, look for overlapping depression, trauma, ADHD or substance use, and review caffeine, alcohol, medications and medical causes. The GAD-7 scale helps us measure change.

Treatment options

  • Non-habit-forming first-line medications, adjusted gradually
  • Cognitive-behavioral techniques built into our visits
  • A plan for panic attacks and for reducing avoidance
  • Referral for structured CBT or exposure therapy when it fits

What telehealth can and can’t do

Benzodiazepines are generally not a first-line long-term treatment, and whether any controlled medication is appropriate is decided after an evaluation, never promised in advance.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your plan is made together at your visit.