Understanding Anxiety
Persistent worry, racing thoughts, and physical tension that follow you through the day.
Generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic respond well to a combination of medication when indicated, evidence-based therapy (CBT, ACT), and neurochemical lifestyle work targeting cortisol and GABA. We tailor the mix to your pattern — not a one-size protocol.
How it shows up
Anxiety is persistent worry and physical tension that follows you through the day, not just before a big event. It can look like a racing mind, trouble switching off, muscle tightness, and a low-grade sense that something is wrong. Over time it shrinks your window of tolerance and makes ordinary situations feel threatening.
What's driving it
Anxiety is both psychological and biological — shaped by thought patterns and by cortisol, GABA, sleep, and blood sugar. It often coexists with thyroid dysfunction, hormonal shifts, and sleep debt, each of which can amplify it. Treating only the thinking without the biology often leaves the engine running.
When to seek help
If worry is interfering with sleep, work, or relationships, or if you're managing it with alcohol, avoidance, or constant distraction, it's time. Anxiety is one of the most treatable conditions in medicine when the approach matches your specific pattern.
The evidence
The GAD-7 is a validated 7-item screener for generalized anxiety widely used in primary and psychiatric care.
Source: Spitzer et al., 2006
Quick Self-Check
Could it be Anxiety?
Answer a few questions to see whether your responses point toward Anxiety or toward something else. Either way, we'll help you take the next step.
Over the past two weeks, how often have you experienced each of the following?
01Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
02Worrying about a variety of things more days than not
03Finding it hard to control your worrying
04Muscle tension, restlessness, or feeling keyed up
05Trouble relaxing or winding down
Anxiety — Frequently Asked
Common questions about Anxiety.
What is the most effective treatment for anxiety?
For most adults, the best results come from combining evidence-based therapy such as CBT with medication when appropriate, plus attention to sleep, stress, and physical contributors like thyroid or hormonal shifts.
Can anxiety be caused by something physical?
Yes. Thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes, blood-sugar swings, and sleep debt can all drive or amplify anxiety, which is why our assessment looks at the biology as well as the thinking patterns.
Do you offer anxiety treatment via telehealth?
Yes. We treat anxiety in person in Scottsdale, AZ and nationwide via telehealth. Commercial insurance is accepted for psychiatry and therapy.
Medically reviewed by
Clay Hall, NP, PhD, MBA
PRX Founder · Primary Care & Psychiatry
Double-board certified in Primary Care and Psychiatry, with post-graduate training in Psychiatry and Neuroscience from Purdue University.
Take the next step.
Whether the screening pointed here or somewhere else, the right next move is a conversation. Reach out and we'll help you find your path.
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