Julie M. Hall, MD

Psychiatrist located in Los Angeles, CA

It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious once in awhile. But when your anxiety starts impacting your work, school, hobbies, or home life, it’s time to get it resolved. Los Angeles psychiatrist Dr. Julie M. Hall is an expert in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders. She can help you overcome your anxiety, so you don’t have to live with the frustration it brings.

Anxiety Disorder Q & A

Do anxiety disorders have certain symptoms?

Yes. You’re probably aware that anxiety can make you feel panicked and scared, even in the most comfortable situations. But symptoms of anxiety disorder can also include:

  • Insomnia

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Excessive sweating, especially in hands and feet

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Dry mouth

  • Tensing up

  • Dizziness or nausea

  • Tingling in your limbs

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

Yes. If you have panic disorder, for example, a feeling of terror may suddenly overwhelm you. You may sweat profusely, have chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, and might feel like you’re choking. Panic attacks often have no warning and symptoms strike out of nowhere.

If you’re someone who avoids public events or social gatherings, you might have social anxiety disorder, or social phobia. This type of anxiety disorder leaves you feeling self-conscious about normal, everyday activities and situations. You might be worried about being judged or ridiculed by your family or friends, or even the general public.

For some, certain objects, situations, or events, tend to trigger an anxiety attack. You might have a specific type of phobia, such as an extreme fear of being confined (claustrophobia), leaving you feeling overly anxious for having to ride in an elevator, for instance. If you’re not sure exactly what is triggering your anxiety, Dr. Hall can walk you through it to help you get to the root of the issue.

How are anxiety disorders treated?

One of the best ways to work through anxiety is to talk through it. As a psychotherapy expert, Dr. Hall can work with you to gather information about your anxiety attacks. She can teach you stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, that can bring you to a place of peace and bliss.

Stress management therapy usually works well with patients going through exposure therapy, where you’re gradually and gently exposed to anxiety-causing triggers. This way you can face your fears and learn to manage them, all at the same time. If need be, Dr. Hall can prescribe medication. Antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anti-anxiety medications have all been proven to improve symptoms that stem from anxiety disorders.