Dr. Maryam Nouhi provides expert, evidence-based treatment for all anxiety-spectrum disorders — entirely via secure telehealth for adults in Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
Book an Anxiety ConsultationGAD is characterized by excessive, persistent worry about a variety of everyday topics — work, health, finances, family — that is difficult to control and causes significant distress.
Unlike situational anxiety, GAD is chronic and often accompanied by physical symptoms like muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep problems. It affects about 6.8 million U.S. adults.
Treatment typically involves SSRIs or SNRIs as first-line medications, often combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address worry patterns.
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of intense fear with physical symptoms — plus persistent worry about future attacks or changes in behavior to avoid them.
Panic attacks can be terrifying, often mimicking heart attacks. Without treatment, panic disorder can lead to agoraphobia and significant impairment.
SSRIs, SNRIs, and targeted therapy (CBT/Panic-Focused CBT) are highly effective treatments.
OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety — even when the person recognizes them as irrational.
OCD is a distinct condition from anxiety disorders in the DSM-5 but shares anxiety as a core feature. It can be highly debilitating and significantly impair quality of life.
SSRIs at higher doses are the medications of choice for OCD, often combined with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
PTSD develops after exposure to traumatic events — accidents, assault, combat, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations. It is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative thoughts, and hyperarousal.
PTSD affects about 3.5% of U.S. adults per year. Without treatment, symptoms can persist for years. Effective treatments exist and can dramatically improve quality of life.
SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD. Prazosin may help with nightmares. Therapy options include EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
Dr. Nouhi selects medications based on your specific anxiety disorder, symptom severity, and medical history.
Sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine — effective for GAD, panic, OCD, PTSD, and social anxiety. Generally well-tolerated with mild side effects.
Venlafaxine, duloxetine — particularly effective for GAD, panic, and social anxiety. Also helpful for co-occurring depression.
Non-addictive option specifically for generalized anxiety. Works best with daily use and may take 2–4 weeks to show full benefit.
An alpha-blocker particularly helpful for PTSD-related nightmares and sleep disturbances. Not typically used as monotherapy.
May be used short-term for acute anxiety management while waiting for SSRIs to take effect. Monitored carefully due to dependence potential.
Hydroxyzine for acute anxiety, beta-blockers for situational anxiety, and other adjunctive medications when first-line treatments are insufficient.
Normal anxiety is a temporary, proportionate response to stressors. An anxiety disorder involves persistent, excessive anxiety that is difficult to control, disproportionate to the situation, and significantly interferes with daily life — work, relationships, and daily activities — even when no real threat is present.
First-line medications for most anxiety disorders include SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram) and SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine). For OCD, SSRIs at higher doses are preferred. For GAD, buspirone may be added. Benzodiazepines may be used short-term for acute anxiety with careful monitoring. The right medication depends on your specific disorder and history.
Yes. Sertraline and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD. Venlafaxine is also frequently used. Prazosin helps specifically with PTSD nightmares. Medication is most effective when combined with trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, Prolonged Exposure). Dr. Nouhi can manage your medications while coordinating with a trauma therapist.
SSRIs and SNRIs — the primary medications for anxiety — are not addictive. Benzodiazepines (like lorazepam) have dependence potential and are used cautiously and typically short-term. Buspirone has no addiction potential. Dr. Nouhi prescribes medications responsibly with your safety and long-term wellbeing in mind.
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is categorized separately from anxiety disorders in the DSM-5, though anxiety is a core feature. OCD involves specific obsessions (intrusive thoughts) and compulsions (ritualistic behaviors to reduce anxiety). Treatment differs slightly — SSRIs at higher doses and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy are the gold standards.
Duration varies. Most guidelines recommend continuing anxiety medication for at least 12 months after achieving response, then reassessing. Some people benefit from longer-term maintenance. Dr. Nouhi works with you on any medication tapering plan when the time is appropriate.
Don't let anxiety control your life. Same-week telehealth appointments available with Dr. Nouhi.
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