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Patient Education

Anxiety Disorder

Calm, whole-person anxiety care with the time and attention you deserve.

Anxiety becomes a disorder when persistent worry, fear, or physical tension starts interfering with your sleep, work, or relationships. At our direct primary care practice in Los Angeles, we treat anxiety as a whole-person condition, combining careful screening with medication management when appropriate and therapy referrals so you have unhurried time to feel heard.

Symptoms & Warning Signs

  • Persistent, hard-to-control worry that feels out of proportion to the situation
  • A racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or trembling
  • Restlessness, irritability, or feeling constantly on edge
  • Trouble concentrating or a mind that goes blank under stress
  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Stomach upset, muscle tension, or frequent headaches

Causes & Risk Factors

  • A family history of anxiety, depression, or other mood conditions
  • Chronic stress, major life transitions, or past trauma
  • Certain medical conditions, including thyroid imbalance and heart-related symptoms
  • Caffeine, alcohol, or stimulant use that amplifies physical symptoms
  • Sleep deprivation and irregular routines
  • Some medications and, occasionally, withdrawal from them

How Dr. Golian Manages Anxiety Disorder

We begin by listening, then use a brief, validated GAD-7 anxiety screening to gauge severity and track your progress over time. Because anxiety symptoms can overlap with other conditions, Dr. Golian may check for thyroid imbalance or order an EKG when physical symptoms warrant, ensuring nothing medical is being missed.

Your plan is built around you. That may include lifestyle adjustments, a referral for cognitive behavioral therapy, thoughtful SSRI or SNRI therapy, and coordination with a psychiatrist when indicated.

Living Well With Anxiety

Small, steady habits make a real difference. Protecting your sleep, moving your body regularly, and easing back on caffeine and alcohol all help calm the nervous system.

Because anxiety, depression, and recurrent headaches often travel together, we keep an eye on the whole picture and adjust your care as life changes — never leaving you to manage it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Can my primary care doctor treat anxiety, or do I need a psychiatrist?
Many people are treated successfully in primary care. Dr. Golian can screen, diagnose, prescribe medication, and refer you for therapy, and she'll coordinate with a psychiatrist when more specialized care is needed.
2Will I have to take medication for my anxiety?
Not necessarily. Treatment is individualized — some people do well with therapy and lifestyle changes alone, while others benefit from medication. We'll talk through the options together and choose what fits you.
3How do I know if it's anxiety or something physical like a heart or thyroid problem?
Anxiety can mimic conditions like thyroid imbalance or heart issues, which is why we evaluate the full picture. When symptoms warrant, we may check thyroid labs or order an EKG to rule out a medical cause.
4How long does it take to feel better with anxiety treatment?
Therapy skills and lifestyle changes build over weeks, and anxiety medications often take several weeks to reach full effect. We follow up closely and adjust your plan until you feel steadier.
5What should I expect at my first anxiety visit with Dr. Golian?
You'll have unhurried time to share what you're experiencing. We'll use a brief GAD-7 screening, review your history, and start building a plan together — no rushing, no judgment.

Take the First Step With Your Anxiety Disorder

Connect with Dr. Golian for calm, judgment-free care and a plan built around your life in Los Angeles.

Schedule a Consultation

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.