Anxiety Treatment & Medication Management

Anxiety Psychiatrist Serving New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Occasional worry is a normal part of life. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins interfering with school, work, relationships, or daily functioning, professional support can help.

Dr. Pooja Shah provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment plans are individualized and may include psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle interventions, and collaboration with therapists and other healthcare providers.

Common Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety can take many forms and may present differently depending on age and circumstances.

Conditions commonly treated include:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

  • Social Anxiety Disorder

  • Panic Disorder

  • Separation Anxiety

  • Performance Anxiety

  • Health Anxiety

  • Specific Phobias

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Children and adolescents may experience:

  • Excessive worrying

  • School avoidance

  • Frequent reassurance seeking

  • Irritability

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Physical complaints such as headaches or stomachaches

Adults may experience:

  • Persistent worrying

  • Racing thoughts

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Muscle tension

  • Restlessness

  • Fatigue

  • Panic attacks

Comprehensive Anxiety Evaluations

A thorough psychiatric evaluation helps identify factors contributing to symptoms and ensures the most appropriate treatment plan.

An evaluation may include:

  • Review of current symptoms

  • Medical and psychiatric history

  • Family mental health history

  • Assessment of school or workplace functioning

  • Evaluation for co-occurring conditions

Many individuals with anxiety may also experience ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, or trauma-related symptoms.

Anxiety Treatment Options

Medication Management

When appropriate, medications may be discussed to help reduce anxiety symptoms while improving overall functioning.

Psychotherapy

Evidence-based approaches may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

  • Supportive Psychotherapy

  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Lifestyle Strategies

Treatment recommendations may also address:

  • Sleep hygiene

  • Exercise

  • Stress management

  • Academic accommodations

  • Workplace accommodations

Anxiety and OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a specialized anxiety-related condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals.

Treatment often requires a combination of psychiatric care and evidence-based therapy, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Anxiety Treatment for Children and Adolescents

Children may not always describe feeling anxious directly. Anxiety may instead appear as:

  • Behavioral outbursts

  • School refusal

  • Perfectionism

  • Difficulty separating from caregivers

  • Somatic complaints

Early identification and treatment can significantly improve academic, social, and emotional functioning.

Anxiety Treatment for Adults

Adult anxiety can affect relationships, occupational functioning, physical health, and overall quality of life.

Treatment focuses on identifying underlying factors contributing to symptoms and developing practical and sustainable coping strategies.

Telepsychiatry for Anxiety Treatment

Telepsychiatry appointments are available throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania for patients seeking anxiety treatment, medication management, and follow-up care.

Areas Served

In-person appointments are available in:

  • Princeton, NJ

  • Marlton, NJ

  • Bala Cynwyd, PA

Telehealth services are available throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Request a Consultation

If you are seeking treatment for anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, social anxiety, or excessive worry, request a consultation today.

Request a Consultation