Our Services / Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Worry, nervousness, and fear occur in response to distressing circumstances. But these negative emotions typically fade once the situation has resolved. Overwhelming and persistent feelings of anxiety, however, can indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety affects both children and adults. It can prevent you or your child from performing daily tasks, succeeding in school, maintaining friendships, and fulfilling work, school, or personal obligations. 

The most common type of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), involves intense, ongoing feelings of anxiety about most aspects of life. Other types of anxiety include disorders such as social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias. An anxiety disorder increases the risk of other mental health conditions, such as depression and substance abuse.

How can I tell if my child has anxiety?

When a child has an anxiety disorder, feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness may interfere with school, family life, and play activities. Your child may also have physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or trouble sleeping.

Signs of an anxiety disorder in children may include:

• Irritability
• Emotional outbursts
• Separation anxiety
• Persistent worry about future activities and events
• Reluctance to attend school or social events
• Nervousness around other children or adults
• Intense fears of specific things or situations

Adults with anxiety also experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. 

If you often feel irritable, avoid social situations, feel more afraid or worried than a situation warrants, or constantly worry about the future, you could have an anxiety disorder. 

How can treatment improve my anxiety?

No matter which type of anxiety disorder affects you or your child, you need personalized treatment. A customized treatment plan helps you to identify the source of your worries and learn how to redirect the negative thoughts and behaviors that keep you in a constant state of anxiety. 

At FamilyTime Centers, Dr. Kaufman begins with a comprehensive evaluation to assess your anxiety and determine your specific treatment needs. 

Following your evaluation, Dr. Kaufman combines innovative treatments to create your individual treatment plan. Most patients who have anxiety respond well to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and BrainPaint® neurofeedback. Dr. Kaufman may also recommend eye movement desensitization and reprogramming (EMDR), and additional interventions. 

Don’t let anxiety stop you or your child from living life to its fullest. To schedule an evaluation, call FamilyTime Centers today or book an appointment online.