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.

My Experience As A Psychiatrist Treating Anxiety Disorder

Since 2020, there has been an escalating “mental health pandemic” in parallel with the Covid-19 pandemic. So many people in the U.S. and around the world struggle with unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety related to concerns about health, work, finances, school, and social relationships. These challenges often outstrip people’s ability to cope and the anxiety symptoms can become severe: nervousness, worry, insomnia, tremors, GI upset, palpitations, shortness of breath, headaches, panic attacks, and various other physical and mental manifestations.

I have treated patients with anxiety disorders for over two decades. There are many evidence-based therapeutic approaches to anxiety that are effective in helping patients manage their symptoms, including certain kinds of medications and psychotherapy. As an expert in treating anxiety in the Boston area, I hope that I can help you or your loved one. Please get in touch with me today via telephone at (617) 932-1548 or via email: ForPatients@DrDavidBrendel.com.

There are several different types of anxiety disorders I treat, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by a multitude of persistent anxiety symptoms including feelings of worry, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, difficulties with attention and concentration, headaches, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress. People understandably may worry that they have a general medical condition. In some cases, it’s important to consult with a primary care physician or another specialist to rule out a general medical condition.

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by fear of being negatively judged or criticized by others. People with this condition tend to avoid a wide variety of social situations where they fear humiliation or having a major episode of acute anxiety. The condition can have a debilitating impact on work, school, and personal relationships.

Panic disorder includes many acute symptoms such as a pounding heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, a smothering sensation, sweating, weakness, or dizziness. Patients may experience a sense of impending doom or fear of losing control. The symptoms can be so severe that people think they are having a heart attack.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from a terrifying incident with physical harm or the threat of physical harm (or witnessing first-hand someone else experiencing such a terrifying ordeal). Patients with PTSD can startle easily, lose interest in activities, experience flashbacks and nightmares, become emotionally distant or numb, and avoid major life commitments such as work and school.

Diagnosing and Treating Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is very prevalent. Tens of millions of Americans experience clinical anxiety each year. Diagnosing anxiety that needs treatment can be difficult. Everyone experiences anxiety to some degree, which is often a normal reaction to stress. This reaction can help people deal with tense situations, such as preparing for a presentation or studying for an exam. At times anxiety can be a helpful coping mechanism. Some people, however, experience excessive anxiety. For them anxiety is not mild and brief but is prolonged and intense. Frequently their anxiety can become so intense that it interferes with their daily activities.

Effective therapies for treating anxiety are available. Research is uncovering new treatments that can help people with anxiety lead productive, fulfilling lives. For help with anxiety disorders, book an appointment on ZocDoc, contact me via telephone at (617) 932-1548, or email me: ForPatients@DrDavidBrendel.com.