Anxiety
Dr. Heiser provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and consultations in Los Angeles to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their mental health needs. Whether you are seeking clarity regarding a diagnosis, exploring treatment options, or looking for a second opinion, Dr. Heiser offers a compassionate and thorough approach tailored to each patient.
If you or a loved one are in need of a psychiatric evaluation or consultation, Dr. Heiser is here to help. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward improved mental well-being.
Schedule an appointmentAnxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms that can interfere with daily life. While it is natural to feel anxious occasionally, chronic anxiety can impact relationships, work performance, and overall well-being. Without proper treatment, anxiety can become overwhelming and persistent.
Dr. Marc Heiser specializes in diagnosing and treating various anxiety disorders in both children and adults, helping patients regain control and find relief through personalized care.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest both emotionally and physically, with common symptoms including:
- Excessive worry about everyday situations
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Racing heart or shortness of breath
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
- Avoidance behaviors to prevent anxiety triggers
Types of Anxiety Disorders Treated
Anxiety disorders come in several forms, while each type has its own unique symptoms, they all share a common thread—excessive, uncontrollable fear and distress that interfere with normal functioning. Dr. Heiser provides expert care for a wide range of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is marked by ongoing, exaggerated worry about everyday matters such as health, finances, relationships, or work. Individuals with this condition often find it difficult to control their anxious thoughts, even when there’s little or no reason to be concerned.
- Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by sudden, recurring panic attacks—intense episodes of fear that can feel overwhelming and physically distressing. During an attack, a person may experience chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath, often fearing that something terrible is about to happen.
- Phobia-Related Disorders: These disorders involve extreme and irrational fears linked to specific situations or objects—such as heights, animals, flying, or social interactions. The fear can be so severe that individuals may go to great lengths to avoid the triggers, which can limit their ability to function in daily life.
- Social Anxiety Disorder: This condition involves an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social settings. People with social anxiety may avoid gatherings, public speaking, or even everyday interactions because of overwhelming nervousness.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD causes unwanted, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that can feel impossible to control. Individuals may repeat certain actions or routines to reduce their anxiety, even when they know it’s excessive.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Those affected may have flashbacks, nightmares, or intense fear triggered by reminders of the trauma.
- OCD-Related Disorders: These include conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, trichotillomania (hair-pulling), and excoriation (skin-picking). People with these disorders often struggle with repetitive thoughts or actions that cause distress and affect daily life.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Dr. Heiser creates customized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs, including:
- Medication Management: Prescribing anti-anxiety medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or benzodiazepines when appropriate.
- Psychotherapy: Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change negative thought patterns.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual and controlled exposure to anxiety triggers to reduce fear and avoidance.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching practical strategies to manage stress and prevent anxiety flare-ups.
- Ketamine Therapy: Shown to provide rapid relief for certain anxiety disorders.
Ongoing Support and Care
Managing anxiety is an ongoing process. Dr. Heiser works closely with patients to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and provide continuous support to help them lead calmer, more fulfilling lives.
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, help is available. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Marc Heiser in Los Angeles and start your journey to lasting relief.
Frequently asked questions
1. When should I seek treatment for anxiety?
You should seek treatment if anxiety symptoms persist for several weeks, worsen over time, or interfere with work, relationships, sleep, or daily functioning.
2. Does Dr. Marc Heiser treat anxiety in Los Angeles?
Yes. Dr. Marc Heiser provides comprehensive anxiety treatment in Los Angeles for both children and adults through personalized psychiatric care.
3. What types of anxiety disorders do you treat?
Dr. Heiser treats Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and OCD-related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder and trichotillomania.
4. How is anxiety diagnosed?
Anxiety is diagnosed through a detailed psychiatric evaluation, including clinical interviews, symptom assessment, medical history review, and collaboration with other providers when appropriate.
5. How long does an anxiety evaluation take?
The initial psychiatric evaluation lasts 90 minutes for adults and 2 hours for children, allowing time for a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
6. What treatment options are available for anxiety?
Treatment options may include medication management, psychotherapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness techniques, ketamine therapy, or a combination of approaches based on individual needs.
7. Do you prescribe medication for anxiety?
Yes. Dr. Heiser provides medication management and may prescribe SSRIs, SNRIs, or other anti-anxiety medications when clinically appropriate.
8. Is therapy effective for anxiety disorders?
Yes. Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are highly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving coping skills.
9. What is exposure therapy?
Exposure therapy involves gradual and controlled exposure to anxiety-provoking situations to reduce fear, avoidance behaviors, and anxiety responses over time.
10. Can ketamine therapy help with anxiety?
Ketamine therapy may provide rapid symptom relief for certain anxiety disorders, especially when traditional treatments have not been effective.
11. How often are follow-up appointments scheduled?
Medication management appointments are typically 30 minutes once per month, while psychotherapy sessions usually last one hour per week, depending on treatment needs.
12. Do you offer virtual appointments for anxiety treatment?
Yes. While in-person visits are preferred initially, both evaluations and follow-up appointments can be conducted virtually when appropriate.
13. What should I do if I experience an anxiety-related crisis?
If you are in crisis, contact Dr. Heiser directly. In case of an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
14. How do I schedule an appointment for anxiety treatment?
You can contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marc Heiser and begin personalized anxiety treatment in a supportive, confidential environment.