Neuropsychological Testing for Anxiety

Anxiety Testing & Diagnostic Services for All Ages

Anxiety Testing in San Diego

According to data from the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), anxiety and fear-related disorders were among the top ten most common reasons for emergency room visits in San Diego in 2021. For many, anxiety can significantly impact daily life, making it challenging to function at work, in social settings, or even at home.

After the global trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety has skyrocketed, underscoring the critical need for widespread testing and early detection of anxiety disorders to provide timely and effective interventions. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIH), almost 50% of Americans surveyed in 2021 reported experiencing recent symptoms of anxiety or depression, and 10% of those individuals felt their mental health needs were not being met.

At KMN Psych, located in San Diego, California, we specialize in neuropsychological testing for anxiety and other mental health disorders. We offer a simple and accessible evaluation process for children, teens, and adults, minimizing turnaround time so you or your loved one can get immediate insights into your struggles and diagnoses.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive fear or worry that can significantly interfere with daily life. These disorders extend beyond temporary worry or fear; they are chronic and can grow progressively worse if not addressed. Common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized anxiety disorder is usually marked by persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, such as health, work, social interactions, and routine activities. This worry is often challenging to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms such as:

Restlessness
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Muscle tension
Sleep disturbances

Individuals with GAD may feel on edge constantly, leading to significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other essential areas of life.

2. Panic Disorder

Panic disorder, one of the most common anxiety disorders, involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden fits of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. These attacks are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as:

Heart palpitations
Sweating
Trembling
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dizziness
Abdominal distress

Individuals with Panic Disorder often worry about having more attacks and may change their behavior to avoid potential triggers, leading to significant disruptions in their daily lives.

3. Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a fairly common condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might be exposed to scrutiny or judgment by others. This fear can materialize in public speaking, meeting new people, or even eating or drinking in front of others. The anxiety differs from normal nervousness in that it can be so overwhelming it leads to avoidance of social interactions, which can severely limit personal and professional opportunities and impair relationships.

How Do I Get Diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder?

Being correctly diagnosed with an anxiety disorder typically begins with a thorough evaluation by qualified mental health professionals. At KMN Psych in San Diego, we provide a streamlined process for mental health testing to help you get the answers you seek in a timely and efficient manner. The typical process for anxiety testing and diagnosis includes:

Initial consultation: The mental health evaluation begins with an initial consultation, during which you discuss your symptoms, medical history, and concerns with our clinical team. This step helps us understand your situation and determine the most appropriate testing approach.
Comprehensive assessment: We’ll conduct a full developmental history assessment. This includes collecting extensive information about your medical, psychological, and social history to provide a thorough context for your current symptoms.
Neuropsychological testing: Our comprehensive psychological testing for mental health includes an in-person testing session at our facility, lasting between 90 minutes to 3 hours. This session involves a variety of standardized assessments designed to evaluate cognitive functions, emotional status, and behavioral patterns. These tests provide a detailed understanding of how anxiety impacts your daily life and functioning.
Analysis and diagnosis: Our experts analyze the results once the psychological testing is complete to identify any underlying anxiety disorders. This analysis helps our team understand the specific type and severity of any mental health conditions you may be experiencing, including generalized anxiety disorder.
Results and recommendations: Approximately one week after the testing session, meet with the clinician to review the findings. During this meeting, the clinician will explain the results and provide initial recommendations for treatment.
Comprehensive report: Two weeks after the results meeting, you or your loved one will receive a detailed 10-12 page report. This report will include the diagnostic findings, an in-depth analysis, and tailored recommendations for treating and managing any diagnosed mental health disorders, including anxiety and panic disorders.

Why Choose KMN Psych for Mental Health Testing in San Diego?

1. Expertise and Experience

The clinical team at KMN Psych has extensive expertise and experience conducting and analyzing neuropsychological tests for various mental health concerns, including anxiety testing. We are passionate about helping our clients succeed on their mental health journeys, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatment recommendations.

2. Comprehensive Mental Health Evaluations

KMN Psych offers a wide range of mental health testing and diagnostic services to diagnose various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Our tests are designed to provide a complete picture of your mental health, helping us identify the root causes of your anxiety.

3. Quick and Accurate Results

At KMN Psych, we understand the importance of timely results, especially concerning your mental state and well-being. We strive to minimize the turnaround time for testing and diagnosis, which allows our clients to begin their journey toward better mental health as soon as possible. Our testing process is straightforward and thorough, and our clinicians are there to guide you each step of the way.

4. Insurance Verification

As part of our commitment to accessibility, KMN Psych helps clients verify their insurance providers can offer financial assistance for mental health evaluation services. We also accept non-insured clients. If you have questions about insurance or finances, please call us at 858-224-2906 or fill out our Verify Insurance Form. We’ll contact your insurance on your behalf and guide you through the financial process.

Benefits of Neuropsychological Testing for Anxiety

Neuropsychological testing offers several benefits for individuals experiencing anxiety:

Begin Testing for Anxiety Disorder in San Diego

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or want to learn more about your mental health, don’t wait to get the help you need. At KMN Psych, we provide comprehensive, accurate, and immediate neuropsychological testing and diagnostic services.

Contact us today at 858-224-2906 to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step toward self-understanding.

Verify Insurance

As part of the screening process, we help clients verify their insurance provider can provide financial assistance. We also accept non-insured clients. Let us walk you through the process so you can get tested as soon as possible.

FAQs

What is the 3-3-3 Rule for Anxiety?

grounding themselves in the present moment. It involves three steps:

Look Around: Identify and name three things you see in your immediate environment.
Listen: Identify three sounds you can hear, focusing on each sound individually.
Move: Move three body parts, such as your fingers, toes, or shoulders.

This technique helps divert attention from anxious thoughts by engaging the senses and promoting mindfulness, thereby reducing anxiety symptoms.

How Do I Get Checked for Anxiety?

To get checked for anxiety, follow these steps:

Schedule an Appointment: Contact a healthcare provider, such as a primary care physician or a mental health professional, to discuss your symptoms.
Initial Evaluation: During the appointment, the provider will conduct a thorough evaluation, which includes discussing your medical history, symptoms, and any previous mental health issues.
Clinical Assessment: The provider may use standardized questionnaires and diagnostic tools to assess the severity of your anxiety and rule out other conditions.
Referral: If necessary, you might be referred to a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for further evaluation and treatment.

At KMN Psych, we offer comprehensive anxiety testing, including clinical interviews, psychological testing, and neuropsychological evaluations to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Can You Cure Anxiety with a Vitamin?

While vitamins and supplements can support overall health, there is no single vitamin that can cure anxiety. However, some vitamins and minerals may help reduce anxiety symptoms:

Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased anxiety. Adequate sunlight exposure and supplements can help.
B Vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, play a crucial role in brain health and can help manage anxiety.
Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency can lead to increased anxiety. Supplementing with magnesium can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental health.

It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

What is the Best Therapy for Anxiety?

The best therapy for anxiety varies depending on the individual's specific needs and the type of anxiety disorder. Commonly effective therapies include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety. It involves identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
Exposure Therapy: Often used for phobias and social anxiety disorder, exposure therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or objects in a controlled manner to reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR combines mindfulness meditation and yoga to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, reducing stress and anxiety.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is effective for treating severe anxiety, particularly in individuals with co-occurring borderline personality disorder. It focuses on building skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

At KMN Psych, we can connect you with the right mental health professionals to ensure you receive the best treatment if diagnosed with anxiety disorder.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more information about KMN Psych, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an appointment for you or your loved one, complete the form below, and we will get back to you in 24 hours. We respect your privacy and hold all information discussed in strict confidence.

Or call us: (858) 224-2906

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References

Harvey P. D. (2012). Clinical applications of neuropsychological assessment. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 14(1), 91–99. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2012.14.1/pharvey
Srivastava, K., Ryali, V., Prakash, J., Bhat, P. S., Shashikumar, R., & Khan, S. (2010). Neuropsychophysiological correlates of depression. Industrial psychiatry journal, 19(2), 82–89. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-6748.90336
Sätilä, H., Jolma, L. M., Meriläinen-Nipuli, M., & Koivu-Jolma, M. (2022). Challenges and Neuropsychological Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Borderline Intellectual Functioning. Children (Basel, Switzerland), 9(12), 1847. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121847
McClintock, S. M., Minto, L., Denney, D. A., Bailey, K. C., Cullum, C. M., & Dotson, V. M. (2021). Clinical Neuropsychological Evaluation in Older Adults With Major Depressive Disorder. Current psychiatry reports, 23(9), 55. Accessed from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-021-01267-3

Neuropsychological Testing for Anxiety

Anxiety Testing in San Diego