Professional Anxiety Treatment in Australia

Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders come in various forms, each with distinct characteristics:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  Persistent worry and excessive anxiety about everyday situations are hallmarks of generalised anxiety disorder. People with GAD may experience physical symptoms like fatigue, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
  
  

• Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

  An intense fear of social situations, scrutiny, and potential embarrassment defines social anxiety. Social anxiety disorder can significantly impact work, school, and social interactions.
  
  

• Specific Phobias

  Intense and irrational fear of specific objects or situations, like heights, spiders, or enclosed spaces, characterises specific phobias. People with these phobias often go to great lengths to avoid their triggers.
  
  

• Panic Disorder

  Panic disorder is characterised by sudden and unexpected panic attacks, characterised by overwhelming fear, physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath, and a sense of losing control, are the hallmarks of panic disorder.
  
  

• Separation Anxiety Disorder

  Excessive fear or anxiety related to separation from attachment figures is common in separation anxiety disorder. This can manifest in children and adults.
  
  

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is triggered by a past traumatic event. Nightmares, flashbacks, and intense avoidance of reminders can significantly impact daily life.

If you experience symptoms associated with any of these disorders, it's crucial to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder:

• Psychological symptoms of anxiety disorders

  Restlessness, excessive worry, irritability, difficulty concentrating, excessive fear, worry, catastrophising, obsessive thoughts.
  
  

• Physical symptoms of anxiety disorders

  Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, nausea, stomach aches. Patients can also experience panic attacks, hot flashes, racing heart, chest tightness, rapid breathing, restlessness, feeling tense or edgy.
  
  

• Behavioural symptoms of anxiety disorders

  Anxiety disorders can manifest as restlessness, social withdrawal, and difficulty meeting daily responsibilities. In severe cases, avoidance behaviours may significantly impact work, school, and social life.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

The exact cause of anxiety is unknown, but several factors contribute, including genetics, life events, and certain personality types.

Risk Factors for Anxiety Disorders

People with the following risk factors have a greater chance of developing anxiety:

• Family history of anxiety
• Existing mental health conditions
• Chronic stress
• Abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, domestic)
• Life-threatening events
• Pregnancy and childbirth (for the pregnant person or partner)
• Substance use (stimulants, alcohol, sedatives)
• Drug or alcohol withdrawal
• Perfectionism, low self-esteem, or a need for control

Taking Control: Self-Care Strategies for Anxiety Disorders

Small lifestyle changes can significantly benefit those struggling with anxiety disorders, helping to reduce anxiety symptoms:

• Stay Active

  Physical exercise is proven to improve mental well-being and contribute to managing symptoms of anxiety disorders as well as helping to treat depression.

• Practice Mindfulness

  Meditation and breathing techniques can reduce stress hormones, anxiety and depression.

• Build a Support Network

  Connect with loved ones and share your feelings.

• Educate Yourself

  Learn about anxiety disorders and available treatment options.

• Journal

  Write down your thoughts and feelings to gain clarity and reduce anxiety.

Effective Treatments for Anxiety Disorders in Australia

Many people find relief with self-care strategies, but seeking professional help is essential for managing anxiety disorders effectively. At Monarch Mental Health Group, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options, including:

• Psychological therapies

  "Talking therapies" like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) help manage negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanisms when you have an anxiety disorder.

• Medication

  Antidepressants and other medications for anxiety disorders can help regulate brain chemicals and alleviate symptoms.

Next-Step Anxiety Disorder Treatments: When Standard Options Fall Short

For some individuals, first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, especially severe anxiety, panic disorder, or PTSD, may not be sufficient. Up to 40% of patients with anxiety disorders may require additional interventions. Monarch Mental Health Group offers next-step treatment options alongside psychological therapy like:

• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)

  Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) provides a safe and non-invasive next-step option. It uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation, offering potential relief from anxiety disorder symptoms.
  
  

• Next-Step Medications and Therapies

  We offer a wider range of medication options to address treatment-resistant anxiety disorders and any co-occurring mental health issues, including obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression.

Our Anxiety Treatment Process at Monarch Mental Health Group

At Monarch Mental Health Group, we prioritise a clear and supportive journey towards managing your anxiety disorder. Here's what you can expect:

Consultation

Our bulk-billed initial consultation allows you to connect with a qualified psychiatrist. This session focuses on understanding your unique experiences, symptoms, and goals for treatment. We'll work collaboratively to develop a personalised plan for your anxiety disorder.

Personalised Treatment

Based on the consultation, your psychiatrist will create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. This plan may incorporate various approaches, such as:

• Psychological Therapies

  Techniques like cognitive behaviour therapy, teaching coping techniques, and practical advice from your mental health professional to manage anxiety, address negative thought patterns, and develop coping skills.
  
  

• Anxiety Disorder Medication

  When appropriate, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medication can help in the treatment of anxiety, regulating brain chemicals and improving symptoms.
  
  

• Next-Step Treatments

  For more resistant anxiety disorders, we offer innovative options like rTMS therapy to stimulate brain regions involved in anxiety.

Ongoing Monitoring

Don't Let Anxiety Hold You Back. Take the First Step Today.

At Monarch Mental Health Group, we treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. We are dedicated to helping you manage your anxiety and regain control of your life. Book your initial consultation with our experienced psychiatrists today. Together, we can create a personalised treatment plan for your anxiety disorder, improving your quality of life.