TL;DR Integrative Anxiety Treatment
Anxiety is more than excessive worry. It often involves a complex interaction between brain chemistry, nervous system regulation, sleep, physical health, nutrition, stress, and life circumstances.
At Proactive Psychiatry, I take an integrative approach to anxiety treatment that goes beyond simply prescribing medication. Treatment may include:
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Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
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Therapy and behavioral interventions
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Medication when appropriate
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Sleep optimization
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Exercise and movement strategies
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Nutrition and metabolic health assessment
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Stress management techniques
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Mindfulness and nervous system regulation
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Evaluation of medical contributors to anxiety
My goal is not just symptom reduction but helping you build a healthier, more resilient mind and body.
Anxiety Treatment with the Proactive Approach℠
Holistic Interventions
With anxiety, holistic psychiatry treatments means selecting choices that are tailored to your individual needs based on you as a whole person. This might include nutrition and exercise counseling, supplementation, and stress-reduction planning.
Genetic
& Biological Testing
The internal processes of our bodies can significantly impact how we manage anxiety as well as our disposition to anxiety. By taking a look under the surface with lab work and genetic screening, we are better equipped to choose treatment options that work.
Psychotherapy
& Coaching Support
Learning to effectively cope in times of stress or anxiety is liberating. We will work to construct new ways of thinking, positive coping mechanisms, and meaning behavioral changes that propel progress in lasting ways.
Simple Treatment Plans
Simplification is key to managing potentially complex situations. With anxiety, adding fuel to the fire doesn't help much. Together we will work to keep out treatment plan simple, yet effective so that you can focus on healing.
Integrative psychiatry for anxiety is more than medications to blunt your nerves.
Instead of masking symptoms, we will work to uncover potential root causes so that we can find long-term solutions.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion. In healthy amounts, anxiety helps us prepare for challenges, avoid danger, and stay motivated.
The problem occurs when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, or begins interfering with daily life.
Common symptoms include:
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Constant worry
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Racing thoughts
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Difficulty relaxing
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Restlessness
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Irritability
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Trouble concentrating
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Muscle tension
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Sleep problems
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Digestive symptoms
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Panic attacks
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Avoidance behaviors
Many people seek treatment because they feel constantly “on edge” or unable to shut their mind off.
Anxiety Is Not Just a Brain Problem
Traditional psychiatric care often treats anxiety primarily as a neurotransmitter imbalance.
While brain chemistry matters, anxiety is frequently influenced by many factors outside the brain itself.
An integrative approach recognizes that anxiety may be affected by:
Sleep Quality
Poor sleep can dramatically worsen anxiety symptoms.
Even one night of inadequate sleep can increase emotional reactivity and reduce stress tolerance.
Many patients notice:
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Increased worry
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More panic symptoms
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Reduced frustration tolerance
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Difficulty focusing
Addressing sleep often improves anxiety significantly.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is one of the most well-studied non-medication treatments for anxiety.
Benefits include:
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Reduced sympathetic nervous system activation
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Improved mood regulation
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Better sleep
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Improved stress resilience
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Reduced muscle tension
Exercise should not be viewed merely as “healthy living.”
For many people, it functions as a legitimate treatment intervention.
Nutrition and Anxiety
The relationship between nutrition and mental health continues to receive increasing attention.
Certain dietary patterns may influence:
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Blood sugar stability
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Inflammation
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Energy levels
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Mood regulation
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Stress response
While nutrition alone rarely cures anxiety, it can meaningfully affect symptom severity.
Areas frequently discussed include:
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Protein intake
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Ultra-processed foods
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Blood sugar fluctuations
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Alcohol consumption
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Caffeine use
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Omega-3 fatty acids
Metabolic Health and Anxiety
Emerging research suggests mental health and metabolic health are closely connected.
Factors that may influence psychiatric symptoms include:
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Insulin resistance
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Obesity
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Chronic inflammation
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Sleep apnea
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Physical inactivity
While not every patient has metabolic dysfunction, evaluating overall health can provide valuable clues about factors contributing to anxiety.
Chronic Stress
Modern life often keeps people in a near-constant state of activation.
Work demands, family responsibilities, finances, social pressures, and information overload can create persistent nervous system stress.
When the nervous system remains activated for extended periods, anxiety symptoms often increase.
Common Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characterized by:
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Excessive worry
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Difficulty controlling worry
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Muscle tension
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Fatigue
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Irritability
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Sleep disruption
Panic Disorder
Involves recurrent panic attacks that may include:
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Rapid heartbeat
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Sweating
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Chest discomfort
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Dizziness
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Shortness of breath
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Fear of losing control
Social Anxiety Disorder
Often involves:
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Fear of judgment
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Avoidance of social situations
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Excessive self-consciousness
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Difficulty speaking in groups
Health Anxiety
Health anxiety may cause individuals to:
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Frequently monitor symptoms
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Repeatedly seek reassurance
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Fear serious illness despite negative evaluations
Anxiety and ADHD
Many adults with ADHD experience significant anxiety.
Sometimes anxiety develops because ADHD symptoms create:
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Missed deadlines
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Chronic overwhelm
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Disorganization
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Difficulty managing responsibilities
Treating underlying ADHD can sometimes improve anxiety substantially.
Medication for Anxiety
Medication can be valuable when anxiety is causing significant impairment, though should never be used as a first line and only treatment.
Medication is not a one size fits all approach.
Common options include:
SSRIs
Examples include:
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Sertraline
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Escitalopram
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Fluoxetine
SNRIs
Examples include:
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Venlafaxine
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Duloxetine
Buspirone
May help certain patients with generalized anxiety.
Beta Blockers
Can be useful for performance and social anxiety as well as physical manifestations of anxiety.
Other Options
Depending on individual circumstances, other medications may be considered.
Medication decisions should account for:
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Goals
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Side effects
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Medical history
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Lifestyle factors
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Personal preferences
Sleep Optimization for Anxiety
Poor sleep often perpetuates anxiety.
Areas I commonly evaluate include:
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Sleep schedule
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Insomnia symptoms
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Sleep hygiene
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Sleep apnea risk
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Evening stimulation
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Alcohol use
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Caffeine intake
Improving sleep can sometimes produce surprisingly large improvements in anxiety.
Mindfulness and
Nervous System Regulation
Anxiety often involves chronic activation of the nervous system.
Helpful practices may include:
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Mindfulness meditation
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Breathwork
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Yoga
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Relaxation training
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Nature exposure
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Reflective practices
These approaches are not replacements for treatment but can be valuable tools.
Anxiety and Physical Health
Many medical conditions can contribute to anxiety symptoms.
Examples include:
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Thyroid disorders
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Sleep apnea
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Chronic pain
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Cardiovascular conditions
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Hormonal changes
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Substance use
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Medication side effects
An integrative psychiatric evaluation considers these possibilities.
Why Choose an Integrative Approach with Proactive Psychiatry?
Many patients seek care after years of feeling like they received only partial answers.
Holistic psychiatry for anxiety aims to:
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Understand root contributors
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Improve overall health
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Reduce symptom burden
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Build resilience
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Support long-term wellness
Rather than focusing solely on symptom suppression, the goal is helping you function better and feel better over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Anxiety Treatment
Do I need medication for anxiety?
Not necessarily. Some individuals benefit greatly from therapy, lifestyle changes, and stress management. Others may benefit from medication. Treatment should be individualized.
Can anxiety improve without medication?
Yes. Many evidence-based interventions can help reduce anxiety, including therapy, exercise, sleep optimization, and mindfulness practices.
Is anxiety caused by a chemical imbalance?
The chemical imbalance explanation is overly simplistic. Anxiety typically involves biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
Does caffeine worsen anxiety?
For many people, yes. Caffeine can increase nervous system activation and worsen symptoms such as restlessness, racing thoughts, and panic.
Can ADHD cause anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety commonly occur together. Treating ADHD-related overwhelm and executive dysfunction can reduce chronic stress that may be leading to anxiety.
Can poor sleep cause anxiety?
Sleep deprivation can significantly worsen anxiety symptoms and emotional regulation.
Does exercise help anxiety?
Research consistently shows that regular exercise can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve stress resilience.
Can nutrition affect anxiety?
Nutrition is not usually the sole cause of anxiety, but dietary patterns may influence energy, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, and mental well-being.
What is integrative psychiatry?
Integrative psychiatry combines evidence-based psychiatric treatment with attention to lifestyle, sleep, nutrition, physical health, and other factors that influence mental health.
Do you offer virtual anxiety treatment in Washington, DC or New York?
Yes. I provide virtual psychiatric care for adults in Washington, DC, New York, Colorado and other states where I am licensed.
About Ryan Sheridan, DNP, PMHNP-BC
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Proactive Psychiatry. I specialize in helping adults with anxiety, ADHD, stress, burnout, and related mental health concerns through an integrative approach that combines evidence-based psychiatry with attention to sleep, nutrition, exercise, metabolic health, and lifestyle factors.
My goal is to help you understand what’s driving your symptoms, not just manage them, and create a personalized plan that supports long-term mental and physical well-being.
Ready to Get Started?
If anxiety is impacting your work, relationships, sleep, or quality of life, I’d be happy to help.
Schedule a Free Intro Call for Anxiety Treatment
In this complimentary consultation, we’ll discuss:
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Your goals and concerns
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Whether we’re a good fit
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How my approach differs from traditional psychiatry
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Next steps if you decide to move forward
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Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward feeling calmer, more focused, and more in control.
Anxiety FAQs
Do anxiety medications work?
Anxiety medications, also known as anxiolytics, can be effective for treating anxiety in many individuals. Also, it is important to consider non-medications solutions for anxiety, too.
Benzodiazepines, SSRIs, SNRIs, and beta-blockers are different types of medications used to treat anxiety. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing GABA activity in the brain, while SSRIs and SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Beta-blockers are helpful in reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety.
It's important to work with a provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs, including whether medication is necessary and which medication may be most suitable. At Proactive Psychiatry, treatments may include medication, but medications should be used in conjunction with therapy and lifestyle changes to address the underlying causes of anxiety.
Are anxiety medications safe to take?
Anxiety medications can be safe to take when used in the manner they were prescribed and under the guidance of a professional. However, like all medications, anxiety medications can have potential side effects and risks.
Benzodiazepines are type of medication commonly used to treat anxiety, but they can be habit-forming and may lead to addiction or dependence. They can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Moreover, long-term use of benzodiazepines has been linked to cognitive impairment and an increased risk of cognitive decline. This is why benzodiazepines should primarily be used on a short-term basis.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another type of medication used to treat anxiety. These medications are less likely to cause dependence or addiction, but they can have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction. Like any medication, it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of anxiety medications with your provider. They can help determine which medication may be most appropriate for your specific situation and monitor you for any potential side effects.
Integrative psychiatry for anxiety uses medication as a part of the treatment solution, but not the only solution. There are underlying factors like nutritional deficits, physical imbalances, and other considerations that can play a role in anxiety. This is why at Proactive Psychiatry we treat anxiety holistically and not with a monolithic approach.
Are supplements effective for anxiety?
Some supplements may help to reduce anxiety symptoms. Additionally, supplements can interact with medications or have potential side effects, so it's important to talk to a provider before adding any supplements to your routine.
With integrative psychiatry at Proactive Psychiatry, we will work to incorporate healthy nutrition, physically activity, routines, and behaviors into treatment. Supplements are also often used and can be very effective means of providing extra cushion when used properly.
Some supplements that may help to reduce anxiety symptoms include:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are found in fish oil and may help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy brain function.
2. Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that can help to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms.
3. L-theanine: L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea that may help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
4. Valerian root: Valerian root is an herbal supplement that may help to reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.
5. Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that may help to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.
Supplement effectiveness may vary from person to person. It's always a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements or making changes to your treatment plan. The most successful treatment plans for anxiety long-term include holistic treatments outside of medication.