Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Gurgaon

Feelings of fear, worry, or dread can trigger both the mind and body into a state of heightened stress, even in situations that pose no real danger. When anxiety becomes chronic or overwhelming, it evolves into anxiety disorder. At Artemis Hospitals, we understand the debilitating impact anxiety disorders can have on individuals, and are here to provide comprehensive, compassionate care. Through detailed assessments and personalised treatment plans, with aim to help patients manage symptoms and reclaim their peace of mind. 

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders manifest in various ways, with the symptoms varying from person to person. The following are common symptoms of anxiety:

Emotional Symptoms

• Excessive Worrying: Persistent and uncontrollable worry about daily life situations, often disproportionate to the actual threat or problem.

• Nervousness: A feeling of unease or restlessness, especially in social or unfamiliar situations.

• Fear and Dread: Continuous feeling of fear or foreboding, often occurring even in non-threatening situations.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or conversations due to racing or intrusive thoughts.

• Sleep Problems: Trouble falling or staying asleep due to restlessness, anxiety, or overactive thoughts at night.

• Irritability: Increased sensitivity to stress, which leads to frequent mood swings or frustration with minor irritations.

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, often resulting from the physical and emotional toll of anxiety.

• Panic Attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or heart palpitations.

Physical symptoms

• Rapid Heart Rate (Palpitations): A sensation of an unusually fast or pounding heartbeat, often triggered by stress.

• Shortness of Breath: A feeling of breathlessness or tightness in the chest, making it difficult to catch your breath.

• Muscle Tension: Persistent tightness or stiffness in the muscles, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and jaw, resulting in pain or discomfort.

• Excessive Sweating: Uncontrollable sweating, particularly in the palms, underarms, or feet, often triggered by stressful situations.

• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep. Anxiety may cause individuals to wake up multiple times during the night.

• Trembling (Shaking): Involuntary shaking or trembling of the hands, legs, or body, which can occur during periods of anxiety or panic attacks.

• Digestive Issues: Problems such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or an upset stomach. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, do not suffer in silence; schedule a consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist at Artemis Hospitals for thorough diagnosis and personalised treatment. 

Causes and Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some common causes and risk factors include:

• Negative Thinking Patterns: Cognitive patterns such as overthinking, catastrophising (expecting the worst), and negative self-talk.

• Childhood Experiences: Adverse childhood events, such as abuse, neglect, or growing up in an unstable environment.

• Stressful Life Events: Major life changes, such as divorce, breakups, job loss, or the death of a loved one.

• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in brain chemicals or neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

• Brain Changes: Brain changes, particularly an overactive amygdala - a small structure in the brain, which plays a key role in processing emotions.

• Social Factors: Lack of social support, social isolation, or prolonged unhealthy relationships.

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty.

• Trauma: Previous traumatic experiences, including physical, emotional, or sexual trauma. 

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental health issues. 

• Cultural Factors: Societal expectations, cultural norms, and pressure to conform with societal norms.

• Medical Conditions: Chronic health conditions such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid problems.

• Substance Use: Overconsumption of substances such as caffeine, alcohol, or recreational drugs.

• Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to stressors such as financial difficulties, job pressures, or ongoing relationship issues.

• Poor Lifestyle Habits: Lack of exercise, poor diet, inadequate sleep, and substance abuse.

Anxiety disorders can arise from one or a combination of the above causes and risk factors. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, consult a specialist as soon as possible.

When to Consult a Doctor for Anxiety Disorder?

It is normal to feel anxious occasionally, but persistent and severe anxiety requires professional medical intervention. You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Chronic or Intense Symptoms: Persistent symptoms, such as restlessness, muscle tension, and frequent anxiety attacks without any apparent trigger.

• Anxiety Interfering with Daily Life: Feelings of anxiety are making it difficult to manage relationships or fulfil responsibilities.

• Deterioration of Physical Health: Noticeable symptoms such as breathing difficulties and gastrointestinal issues due to anxiety and worsening of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

• Increased Dependence on Coping Mechanisms: Reliance on harmful substances such as alcohol, caffeine, or drugs to manage stress.

• Ineffective Self-help Strategies: Self-help practices such as meditation and relaxation techniques are failing to provide relief from anxiety.

• Symptoms of Depression: Noticeable symptoms of depression, including persistent sadness or lack of interest in daily life activities.

• Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviours: If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

• Difficulty Sleeping: Problems of insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.

Types of Anxiety Disorders Treated at Artemis Hospitals

At Artemis Hospitals, our team of psychologists and psychiatrists offers personalised treatments for a wide range of anxiety disorders, including but not limited to:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry about routine and ordinary issues, such as work, health, and family, lasting for at least 6 months. People with GAD often feel that their worry is disproportionate to the situation. 

• Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, leading individuals to avoid certain places or situations.

• Panic Disorder: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations or performance settings due to the belief that one will be judged or humiliated.

• Selective mutism: Unable to speak in certain social situations despite speaking comfortably in others, often due to extreme shyness or fear. It typically affects children.

• Specific Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations, such as flying, heights, water bodies, etc.

• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Mostly diagnosed in children, this disorder involves excessive fear or anxiety about separation from loved ones, often a parent or caregiver. 

• Substance-induced Anxiety Disorder: Can be caused by prolonged use of illicit drugs, alcohol, or medications, or their withdrawal.

• Medication-related Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety triggered by the side effects of certain medications used to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma. 

Mental health conditions that share characteristics of anxiety disorders:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Characterised by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety caused.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):  Characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, PTSD is a mental health disorder caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. 

Complications of Anxiety Disorders Treated at Artemis Hospitals

At Artemis Hospitals, our comprehensive treatment approach aims to address any potential complications, improving patient’s quality of life. Some of the complications of anxiety disorders include:

• Digestive Issues: Anxiety can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Weakened Immune System: Chronic stress can suppress immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections.

• Hypertension: Anxiety causes the body to release stress hormones such as cortisol, which can increase blood pressure over time.

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to constant worry and racing thoughts.

• Restless Sleep: Individuals may experience frequent waking, leading to fatigue and daytime sleepiness.

• Increased Heart Rate: Anxiety can cause the heart to beat faster, which may exacerbate cardiovascular issues.

• Higher Risk of Heart Disease: Chronic anxiety is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks, hypertension, and other cardiovascular conditions.

• Social Withdrawal: Anxiety sufferers may avoid social situations, leading to isolation.

• Strained Communication: Anxiety may cause irritability, difficulty expressing emotions, or misunderstandings with family and friends.

• Reduced Concentration: Difficulty focusing and completing tasks due to overwhelming thoughts.

• Increased Absenteeism: Frequent physical or emotional symptoms can lead to higher rates of absenteeism and decreased job satisfaction.

• Drugs and Alcohol: Over-reliance on alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, or other substances can worsen anxiety symptoms and contribute to substance abuse disorders.

• Depression: Persistent anxiety often contributes to depression, characterised by feelings of worthlessness, lack of interest in activities, and difficulty functioning daily.

• Suicidal Ideation: Anxiety disorders, especially when combined with depression, can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

• Behavioural Issues: Anxiety can also contribute to self-destructive behaviours, including neglect of personal care or reckless actions.

Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis at Artemis Hospitals

At Artemis Hospitals, we understand that anxiety disorders affect not only mental well-being but also physical health. Our team of skilled psychiatrists and psychologists use advanced diagnostic methods and tools to identify the problem and create personalised treatment plans. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

Clinical Review

• Detailed medical and psychological history: A review of the patient's medical history, family history of mental health conditions, and anxiety triggers. 

• Symptom evaluation: An assessment of the nature, severity, and duration of the symptoms.

• Physical examination: A check-up to identify any potential underlying health conditions that may contribute to anxiety.

Lab Tests

Although anxiety disorders are primarily diagnosed through psychological evaluation, certain lab tests may be conducted to rule out underlying medical conditions that mimic or contribute to anxiety symptoms. Lab tests that may be used in diagnosing anxiety disorders at Artemis Hospitals include:

• Thyroid Function Tests: To check for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, as thyroid imbalances can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, or palpitations commonly associated with anxiety.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To rule out infections, anaemia, or other conditions that may affect overall health and energy levels, which could exacerbate anxiety.

• Blood Glucose Tests: To check for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause anxiety-like symptoms such as trembling, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.

• Electrolyte Panel: To detect imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, or magnesium that might cause symptoms resembling anxiety, such as muscle tension or irregular heartbeat.

• Vitamin and Mineral Levels: To identify deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, or magnesium, as these are linked to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

• Cortisol Levels: To assess the effects of prolonged stress, can aggravate anxiety symptoms.

• Liver and Kidney Function Tests: To rule out metabolic issues or substance-related conditions that could influence anxiety.

These tests help ensure that physical health factors contributing to anxiety are identified and addressed, allowing for a more holistic treatment approach. However, they are not diagnostic of anxiety disorders themselves but serve as supporting evaluations.

Psychological Assessments

Our doctors use standardised diagnostic tools and scales to evaluate the levels of anxiety and identify associated conditions, such as depression. Here are some of the psychological assessment tests available at Artemis Hospitals:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7): A widely used screening tool to assess the severity of generalised anxiety disorder. Patients answer questions related to their feelings of worry, restlessness, and physical tension over the past two weeks.

• Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI): A self-report questionnaire that evaluates the intensity of anxiety symptoms, focusing on physical manifestations like sweating, trembling, or dizziness, helping to distinguish anxiety from depression.

• Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A): A clinician-administered tool to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms, including both physical and psychological aspects, such as somatic complaints and cognitive impairment.

• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): While primarily used to evaluate depression, this tool is useful for identifying co-occurring depressive symptoms that may accompany anxiety disorders.

• Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN): A specific test for assessing the severity of social anxiety disorder. It helps measure fear, avoidance, and the physical discomfort experienced in social situations.

• Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS): A scale designed to evaluate the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, which aids in diagnosing panic disorder and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R): A self-assessment tool that screens for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which often co-occurs with anxiety disorders.

• Separation Anxiety Assessment Scale: A scale to evaluate distress and difficulty in situations involving separation from significant others. Tailored for individuals experiencing separation anxiety.

• Fear Questionnaire (FQ): A questionnaire to assess phobias, such as agoraphobia or specific fears, and their impact on daily functioning.

• Personality Inventories: Assessments that help identify personality traits that may contribute to anxiety, such as neuroticism or perfectionism.

Anxiety Disorder Treatments available at Artemis, Gurgaon

Once the type and cause of anxiety disorder are identified, our doctors develop a personalised treatment plan for the patient. Here is an overview of some of the anxiety disorder treatment options available at Artemis Hospitals:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a valuable tool in managing anxiety disorders. Our therapists at Artemis Hospitals offer a variety of therapeutic approaches, including:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.

• Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy explores unconscious thoughts and feelings to gain insight into the root causes of anxiety.

• Exposure Therapy: This form of CBT helps patients gradually face feared situations in a controlled and safe environment to reduce avoidance behaviours and anxiety. It’s particularly effective for phobias and social anxiety disorders.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT helps patients accept their anxiety rather than fighting it. It focuses on mindfulness and values-based living, encouraging individuals to live according to their values despite the presence of anxiety.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT integrates mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, and is particularly useful for individuals who experience severe mood swings or emotional distress.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): This therapy teaches mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.

Medication

In some cases, medication may be prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy to help manage symptoms. Common medications used to treat anxiety disorders include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain, helping improve mood and reduce anxiety.

• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

• Benzodiazepines: Medications such as diazepam, lorazepam, and alprazolam are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications used for relief of acute anxiety symptoms or panic attacks. However, they are typically used short-term.

• Beta-blockers: These medications can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and trembling.

• Buspirone: An anti-anxiety medication that is non-habit forming and often used for generalised anxiety disorder. It can take several weeks to show effects.

• Antipsychotics: In some cases, when anxiety is severe or co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, antipsychotic medications may be prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Lifestyle Modifications

In addition to medication and therapy, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing anxiety:

• Regular Exercise: Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety by releasing endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that promote a sense of well-being.

• Healthy Diet: A balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, helps support mental health. Reducing caffeine and sugar intake can also help manage anxiety symptoms.

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): This structured program teaches patients mindfulness meditation, which helps them stay grounded in the present moment, reducing feelings of anxiety.

• Deep Breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): These techniques help reduce physical tension and lower stress levels, which can help control anxiety symptoms.

• Sleep Hygiene: Poor sleep can exacerbate anxiety. Our doctors advise patients to create a sleep-friendly environment and establish a regular sleep schedule to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.

Support Groups and Peer Support

Joining a support group or participating in peer-led therapy sessions can be helpful for individuals with anxiety disorders. At Artemis Hospitals, patients may be referred to local or online support groups, where they can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Hospitalisation for Severe Cases

In severe cases of anxiety, particularly when anxiety disorders lead to self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or the inability to function, hospitalisation may be necessary. Artemis Hospitals offers inpatient care where patients can receive intensive therapy and monitoring.

By providing a combination of these treatment options, Artemis Hospitals tailors treatment to meet each patient's unique needs, helping them manage anxiety disorders and improve their quality of life.

Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Anxiety Disorder Treatment?

Here are key reasons why patients choose Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon for anxiety disorder treatment:

• Comprehensive and Personalised Care: Artemis Hospitals offers a holistic approach to treating anxiety, combining advanced diagnostic tools with personalised treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s needs.

• Team of Eminent Specialists: Our hospital has a team of highly-qualified and experienced psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counsellors, who are experts in managing anxiety disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

• Evidence-Based Treatment Options: Treatment is based on the latest clinical research and evidence, ensuring that patients receive the most effective therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medications, and alternative therapies.

• Support for Co-Occurring Conditions: Artemis Hospitals addresses co-occurring conditions such as depression, sleep problems, and stress, which often accompany anxiety disorders, providing integrated care to improve overall mental health.

• Confidential and Compassionate Care: Patients receive confidential, compassionate care with an emphasis on patient privacy and trust, ensuring that individuals feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Book an Appointment with a Specialist at Artemis Hospitals