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Anxiety Specialist

Dr. Messina & Associates -  - Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Messina & Associates

Clinical Psychologists & Psychiatrists located in Southlake, TX & Flower Mound, TX

It’s normal to experience anxiety every so often, but persistent and excessive fear or worry about nonthreatening situations may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Psychologists treat children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety disorders at Dr. Messina & Associates in Southlake, Texas, and Flower Mound, Texas. If anxiety interferes with your daily activities, call or book an appointment online today.

Anxiety Q & A

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of fear or distress about a real or perceived threat. Everyone experiences occasional anxiety. 

A person’s brain contains a built-in response to danger called the fight-or-flight mechanism. This response can save your life when faced with a threatening situation, like a fire, but intense and uncontrollable worry about everyday activities can negatively affect your health and well-being. 

The providers at Dr. Messina & Associates treat all types of anxiety disorders, including:


If anxiety affects performance at school or work or interferes with relationships, Dr. Messina & Associates can help. 

How do I know if I have anxiety?

Signs and symptoms of anxiety vary in type and severity, but may include:

  • Feeling nervous or fearful
  • Difficulty controlling fear or worry
  • Sense of impending doom
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Rapid breathing
  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability


You may also go out of your way to avoid situations or events that trigger anxiety, like flying on an airplane or speaking in public. 

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex condition with many possible causes. Common causes of anxiety include:

  • Genetics
  • Biological factors like brain chemistry
  • Environmental factors like living with anxious people
  • Illnesses such as diabetes
  • Medications or drugs such as amphetamines
  • Normal life events like public speaking or running late
  • Traumatic or significant events like divorce or losing a job
  • Irrational beliefs or faulty thinking


Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger anxiety can also worsen your anxiety symptoms.

How is anxiety treated?

Common treatments for anxiety include medications and psychotherapy. Many people benefit from a combination of both. You can discuss medication options with psychiatrists at Dr. Messina & Associates, or a primary care physician. 

Providers at Dr. Messina & Associates use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help children, adolescents, and adults manage their anxiety. 

CBT is a research-based approach that focuses on changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. When you learn to change your thoughts, the result is an improvement in mood and daily functioning.  

To learn how you or your child can control anxiety and lead a happy, meaningful life, call the office of Dr. Messina & Associates or book an appointment online today.

Offering exceptional care for anxiety and depression.
Call us to book your appointment today. 

Services

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dr. Messina & Associates, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychological Testing Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing

Online Counseling Dr. Messina & Associates, Online Counseling

Online Counseling

In-Person Counseling Dr. Messina & Associates, In-Person Counseling

In-Person Counseling

Psychiatry Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Telepsychiatry Dr. Messina & Associates, Telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry

Psychiatric Medication Management Dr. Messina & Associates, Psychiatric Medication management

Psychiatric Medication Management

Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Anxiety

Anxiety

Depression Dr. Messina & Associates, Depression

Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Dr. Messina & Associates, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Insomnia Dr. Messina & Associates, Insomnia

Insomnia

Panic Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder

Social Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety

PTSD Dr. Messina & Associates, PTSD

PTSD

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Separation Anxiety Dr. Messina & Associates, Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder Dr. Messina & Associates, Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Mental Health Services Dr. Messina & Associates, Mental Health Services

Mental Health Services