New York City’s Most Reliable
Anxiety and Depression Treatment
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we understand the importance of disorders such as depression and anxiety since such mental health conditions affect your overall health.
Our mental health experts prioritize their focus on accurate and timely diagnosis, followed by effective treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Our comprehensive clinical care for depression and anxiety disorders provides diagnostic evaluation, medication, psychotherapy, as well as neuro-modulation treatments.
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety disorder can be explained as a natural response to stress or perceived threats, that are characterized by feelings of apprehension, nervousness, and unease. It can manifest as physical anxiety symptoms, such as:
Excessive
Tension and Worry
Restlessness
The constant feeling
of being over the edge
Headaches
Nausea
Muscular Tension
Lack of Focus
Easily Startled
Insomnia
Anxiety Diagnosis
Anxiety diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment by our professionals trained in mental health. While anxiety disorder can manifest in various forms and intensities, there are standardized criteria used to diagnose specific disorders.
Clinical Evaluation
During the process of anxiety diagnosis, our experts will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation, which involves:
Medical History
Medical history helps us identify any underlying physical conditions or medications that could contribute to anxiety symptoms.
Symptom Assessment
We will inquire about your symptoms, including their duration, severity, and impact.
Psychological Assessment
Assessing your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns helps in determining the presence and nature of anxiety disorders.
Diagnostic Criteria
Anxiety disorders are diagnosed based on criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Common anxiety disorders include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of life, lasting for at least six months.
Panic Disorder
Marked by recurrent panic attacks, sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, and trembling.
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Involves an intense fear of social situations or performance, leading to avoidance behavior.
Specific Phobias
Fear and avoidance of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying – causing significant distress.
Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety treatment involves a combination of therapeutic approaches, with an aim to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. Here are common strategies used for anxiety treatment:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach for anxiety treatment. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping skills to manage anxiety symptoms effectively.
Exposure
Therapy
This technique involves gradually exposing individuals to feared objects or situations in a controlled environment, helping them confront and overcome anxiety triggers.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on acceptance of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while taking action aligned with personal values, promoting psychological flexibility and resilience.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed for anxiety treatment. They help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, reducing anxiety symptoms over time.
Benzodiazepines
These anxiety medications may be prescribed for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms. However, they carry a risk of dependence and are generally used cautiously and for limited durations.
Depression Symptoms
Depression is a mood disorder causing persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. It affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities – often accompanied by physical symptoms like:
Agitation or
Irritability
Becoming
Withdrawn
Poor Attention
Span
Being Hopeless or Helpless
Loss of
Appetite
Constant
Sadness
Suicidal
Thoughts
Excessive
Guilt
Self-Hate
Depression Diagnosis
Depression diagnosis involves a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals trained in mental health.
Here’s what you need to know about the depression diagnosis process:
Clinical Evaluation
Medical History
We will begin by gathering information about your medical history, including any past or present medical conditions, medications, and family history of mental health disorders.
Symptom Assessment
We will inquire about your depression symptoms, including feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Psychological Evaluation
Assessing your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns helps us in determining the presence and severity of depression symptoms.
Diagnostic Criteria
Depression diagnosis is based on a criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. Key symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Sleep disturbances, either insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Fatigue or loss of energy.
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Depression Treatment
Depression treatment involves a comprehensive approach aimed at getting rid of symptoms, improving
mood, and enhancing overall well-being. From therapy to medication and lifestyle adjustments, various strategies can help individuals manage depression effectively.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach for depression treatment. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, develop coping skills, and make behavioral changes to improve mood and functioning.
Interpersonal
Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing social difficulties that may contribute to depression. By enhancing communication skills and resolving conflicts, IPT aims to alleviate depression symptoms.
Behavioral
Activation
This approach emphasizes increasing engagement in rewarding and meaningful activities to counteract feelings of lethargy and low motivation associated with depression.
Antidepressants
Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are commonly prescribed for depression treatment. These medications help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, relieving depression symptoms.
Other Medications
In some cases, medications such as mood stabilizers or atypical antipsychotics may be prescribed, particularly for individuals with treatment-resistant depression or co-occurring mood disorders.
Depression and anxiety disorders are examples of serious mental health conditions and their symptoms can be severe. However, these conditions are highly treatable. A correct diagnosis made in a timely manner is the first step towards recovery.
Get in touch with Manhattan Medical Arts for the best depression and anxiety treatments in NYC.
Let’s take that first step towards a happy life!
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