Drawing on my experience as a psychiatrist who has specialized in anxiety disorders for the past two decades, I support patients who are navigating through difficult times with a combination of treatments which can include medications, talk therapy, and various wellness strategies such as mindfulness work. It is gratifying to help patients achieve significant improvements in their quality of life, relationships, and work.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric conditions, affecting tens of millions of Americans each year. Unlike everyday worry, clinical anxiety is persistent, intense, and interferes significantly with daily life. I treat the full spectrum of anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Persistent, excessive worry about everyday matters accompanied by restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations. Can severely limit work performance, relationships, and quality of life.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — surges of intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Often leads to fear of future attacks.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder following exposure to traumatic events. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, and avoidance of reminders.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. Often misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
Health & Specific Anxiety
Health anxiety (illness anxiety disorder), specific phobias, and agoraphobia are also common. Each requires careful diagnosis to distinguish from related medical or psychiatric conditions.
Treatment Approaches
Effective, evidence-based treatments are available for anxiety disorders. Dr. Brendel tailors treatment to each patient’s specific anxiety type, severity, history, and personal goals:
Medication Management
SSRIs, SNRIs, buspirone, and other evidence-based medications can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms. When appropriate, short-term benzodiazepine use may be considered with careful monitoring.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the gold-standard psychotherapy for anxiety. Dr. Brendel coordinates with skilled therapists when intensive CBT work is indicated, ensuring patients receive a fully integrated treatment plan.
Mindfulness & Wellness Strategies
Mindfulness-based practices, stress reduction techniques, sleep hygiene, and lifestyle modifications can play a powerful role in managing anxiety symptoms alongside clinical treatment.
Integrated Long-term Care
For patients with chronic or treatment-resistant anxiety, Dr. Brendel provides comprehensive, ongoing care — regularly reassessing the treatment plan to ensure continued progress and quality of life improvement.
I have treated patients with anxiety disorders for over two decades. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, please reach out. You can book an appointment online via ZocDoc, call (617) 932-1548, or email David@DrDavidBrendel.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder or just normal worry?
Normal anxiety is a proportionate response to real stressors that passes once the stressor resolves. An anxiety disorder involves anxiety that is excessive, difficult to control, lasts weeks or months, and interferes with work, relationships, or daily functioning. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is the best way to clarify the diagnosis.
What medications are used to treat anxiety?
SSRIs (such as sertraline and escitalopram) and SNRIs (such as venlafaxine) are first-line medications for most anxiety disorders. Buspirone, beta-blockers, and sometimes low-dose benzodiazepines may also be used depending on the specific condition and patient needs.
Is therapy or medication better for anxiety?
Research shows that for most anxiety disorders, the combination of medication and CBT is more effective than either alone. Dr. Brendel evaluates which approach — or combination — is best suited to your specific situation and preferences.
How long does anxiety treatment take?
It depends on the type and severity of anxiety. Many patients experience significant improvement within 4–8 weeks of starting medication. Some complete a course of treatment in a few months; others benefit from longer-term management. Dr. Brendel develops a timeline based on your individual clinical picture.
Can anxiety disorders be cured?
Many people achieve complete remission of anxiety symptoms with the right treatment. Others achieve substantial relief that allows them to function well and enjoy a high quality of life. Early, accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment give the best outcomes.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Brendel for anxiety?
No referral is needed. You can book directly via ZocDoc, call the office, or send an email. Dr. Brendel is currently accepting new patients for anxiety evaluation and treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Brendel for Anxiety Treatment?
Dr. David Brendel has specialized in treating anxiety disorders for over two decades in the Greater Boston area. Here is what distinguishes his practice:
- 20+ years specializing in anxiety — extensive experience treating GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, and OCD
- Harvard-trained with an MD and PhD; board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- Expert medication management: precise prescribing of SSRIs, SNRIs, and other evidence-based pharmacotherapy tailored to each patient’s specific anxiety profile
- Integrated treatment philosophy: combines medication with therapy referrals, mindfulness strategies, and lifestyle interventions
- Careful diagnostic approach: distinguishes anxiety from depression, ADHD, thyroid disorders, and other conditions that can mimic or co-occur with anxiety
- Author of Healing Psychiatry (MIT Press) — rigorous academic background applied to individualized, humanistic care
- Located in Belmont, MA, serving Greater Boston, Cambridge, and surrounding communities
- Accepting new patients — book online via ZocDoc or call (617) 932-1548
Anxiety is both the most common and one of the most undertreated psychiatric conditions. Many people suffer for years — managing symptoms with avoidance, alcohol, or willpower — before seeking professional help. Others receive treatment but never achieve full relief because their anxiety type was misdiagnosed or their medication was not optimally chosen.
Dr. Brendel’s approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation that goes well beyond a checklist of symptoms. He explores the origins of your anxiety, its specific triggers, its impact on your life, and any prior treatments — to build a clinical picture that guides truly personalized care.
Whether you are experiencing anxiety for the first time or have been struggling with it for years, Dr. Brendel has the expertise, experience, and commitment to help you achieve lasting relief.
Ready to Get Your Anxiety Under Control?
Dr. Brendel is currently accepting new patients for anxiety evaluation and treatment in Belmont, MA — minutes from Boston and Cambridge. Effective, personalized care is available.