Photo of Chris Pagnani MD PC, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Chris Pagnani MD PC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates - a network of over 20 psychiatric providers that are academically focused and utilize evidence based practice. In-office (Philadelphia, and The Main Line in Paoli, PA) and virtual Telehealth psychiatric appointments. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Child and adolescent psychiatric appointments. Fee for service practice, treating moderate levels of psychiatric illness for safety purposes (we do not have admitting privileges or a 24 hour emergency line). Board Certified and licensed in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA. Visit www.RittenhousePA.com.
Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates - a network of over 20 psychiatric providers that are academically focused and utilize evidence based practice. In-office (Philadelphia, and The Main Line in Paoli, PA) and virtual Telehealth psychiatric appointments. We treat anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD. Child and adolescent psychiatric appointments. Fee for service practice, treating moderate levels of psychiatric illness for safety purposes (we do not have admitting privileges or a 24 hour emergency line). Board Certified and licensed in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA. Visit www.RittenhousePA.com.
(267) 415-8618 View (267) 415-8618
Photo of Thomas Scary, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Thomas Scary
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am currently scheduling patients for both in-person (PA/NJ) and telehealth (PA/NJ/MA) appointments. I welcome patients who are looking for medication management, therapy, a second opinion, or any combination of the above. My interests include diagnostic clarification of mood/anxiety/attention disorders, evaluation of young adults who may be seeking help for the first time, and treatment of substance use disorders that often present with other common diagnoses.
I am currently scheduling patients for both in-person (PA/NJ) and telehealth (PA/NJ/MA) appointments. I welcome patients who are looking for medication management, therapy, a second opinion, or any combination of the above. My interests include diagnostic clarification of mood/anxiety/attention disorders, evaluation of young adults who may be seeking help for the first time, and treatment of substance use disorders that often present with other common diagnoses.
(267) 358-6155 View (267) 358-6155
Anxiety Psychiatrists

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other popular forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.