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Anxiety Symptoms Unchanged, Acknowledgment Increased During COVID-19 Pandemic
Lara Shirikjian, DO, principal investigator, Collaborative Neuroscience Research, Torrance, California, answers questions about her session "Effective Strategies for Treating Modern Day Anxiety" that occurred today at Psych Congress Elevate in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The number of people experiencing anxiety since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased dramatically, says Dr Shirikjian. In this Q&A, she explores how anxiety is presenting in new ways, how to overcome the challenge of medication compliance, and the impact of social media on patients' well-being.
Question: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of people experiencing anxiety?
Answer: Numbers have gone up. In 2020, 41% of US adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, a jump from 11% reported in 2019. The young adult population was hit harder, with 56% of those ages 18-24 reporting symptoms in 2020.
Q: How is anxiety presenting itself in patients differently than before the pandemic?
A: The presentation of symptoms has not changed, but the acknowledgment has changed. More people are talking about it; usually in public arenas. Since the pandemic, many jobs offer work from home hybrids, so some of my patients have actually been able to continue working, whereas before they would call out.
Q: What are the main challenges for clinicians treating patients with anxiety?
A: Medication compliance. A medication is only effective if taken properly. Many higher functioning patients are hesitant to take medications, especially daily dosing meds like SSRIs. They prefer to take PRN medications, so getting the "buy-in" from patients to take routine medication is a struggle.
Q: Social media is ever-present in daily life. How has it affected the way patients experience anxiety?
A: Pros and Cons. Excessive use leads to anxiety directly and indirectly, in loss of time and productivity, and lowering self-esteem by constant comparisons to others, for example. It has also introduced the world to concepts in mental health that may help them identify anxiety symptoms in themselves that they may have never believed to be anxiety. Short videos (Reels, TikToks) of others' experiences make them feel "seen."
Q: What tips do you have for clinicians creating a treatment plan for patients with anxiety?
A: Work with a team; collaboration is key! Individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management make for a solid plan, in addition to an introduction to various techniques like breathing and relaxation training.
Q: Are there any misconceptions around this topic that you would like to clear up?
A: Social media is not going away and is not a direct reason for anxiety. Moderation is key and utilizing social media in a healthy way is what will help most people navigate its permanent presence.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: Most everyone experiences anxiety, but most do not understand how debilitating it can be for those with pathologic anxiety. Empathy and validation go a long way. Educate your patients that "instant fixes" are not in their best interest and lifestyle modifications must be made.
Dr Lara Shirikjian is a board certified psychiatrist in Los Angeles County. She received her undergraduate training at the University of California, Los Angeles with a BA in International Development Studies. A course in World Health at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine confirmed her initial interest in attending medical school. She completed a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Scripps College, through the joint sciences program at Claremont McKenna College. She attended medical school at Western University, College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California. She went on to an allopathic internship and residency program at Harbor UCLA. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Harbor UCLA as Chief Resident. Currently, she is an adult psychiatrist, with an outpatient clinic in Torrance. She is also Principal Investigator at Collaborative Neuroscience Research, conducting research on new medication for various neurological and psychiatric indications. She is also a volunteer for the Physician Support Line, providing mental health services via telemedicine to peer physicians working on the frontlines across the US.
