Category Archives: General Health

Eye Injury Prevention Month

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October is eye injury prevention month. More than one million people per year are affected by an eye injury and 90% of these injuries could have been prevented if protective eyewear was worn. Here are some facts and tips that can help protect your eyes from injury:

  • The leading causes of eye injuries include sports accidents, consumer fireworks, household chemicals, battery acid, and workshop and yard debris.
  • Eyes can be damaged by the sun, not just dust, chemicals, and foreign bodies.
  • Wear safety goggles when working in the workshop or yard, jumpstarting your car, or working with cleaning or other chemicals.
  • Always wear appropriate protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities.
  • Injuries such as cuts, chemical burns, or foreign bodies stuck in the eye are emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
  • In case of a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

To ensure healthy vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends frequent, comprehensive eye exams every one or two years to prevent any serious problems.

If you would like to schedule an eye exam for you or someone you know, you can visit an ophthalmologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Whooping Cough

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Whooping cough or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that causes a distinct “whooping” cough.

Whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations, and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded.

Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, but it could take longer. The symptoms are usually mild at first and resemble the symptoms of a common cold, which include:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Fever
  • Cough

After a week or two, the signs and symptoms of whooping cough worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may also cause:

  • Vomiting
  • Extreme fatigue
  • A high-pitched “whoop” sound during the next breath of air

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When the bacteria enter your respiratory system, they attach to the tiny, hair-like extensions that line your respiratory tract called cilia. The bacteria then release toxins damaging the cilia, causing the airways to swell, increasing mucus secretions, and creating severe coughing.

It is difficult to diagnose whooping cough early because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, like a cold, flu, or bronchitis. Doctors can sometimes diagnose whooping cough by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Tests can include:

  • A nose and throat culture and test
  • Blood tests
  • A chest X-ray

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases, diphtheria and tetanus.

Treatment for whooping cough is dependent on age and vaccination history. Infants are typically hospitalized for treatment because whooping cough is more dangerous for that age group.

Treatment for older children and adults can be managed at home. Antibiotics can be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing whooping cough.

To speak with a doctor about appropriate vaccinations, please schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital by calling (718) 206-6000 or your primary care physician as soon

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

RSV

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Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. A seasonal virus, RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January.

Signs and symptoms of RSV most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms, including:

  • Congested or runny nose
  • Dry cough
  • Low-grade fever
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Lack of energy
  • Decreased appetite

It is difficult to distinguish RSV symptoms from the common cold or other respiratory viruses like the flu or COVID-19.

Severe cases of RSV affect babies 12 months and younger, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone who is immunocompromised. Severe infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Signs and symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Severe cough
  • Wheezing
  • Rapid or difficulty breathing
  • Cyanosis or bluish color of skin due to the lack of oxygen

Infants are affected most severely by RSV. Signs and symptoms of severe infection in infants include:

  • Short, shallow, and rapid breathing
  • Struggling to breathe
  • Cough
  • Decreased appetite
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Irritability

RSV is very contagious. You can easily spread the virus while symptomatic, which is usually a period of three to eight days. RSV can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It is spread through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze and through direct contact, such as shaking hands.

RSV can cause many complications, including:

  • Hospitalization
  • Middle ear infection
  • Asthma
  • Repeated infections

RSV can infect anyone. However, there are ways to prevent those who are at risk of getting severe infections, including:

  • Protection for babies and high-risk children
    • Antibody product called nirsevimab
    • Vaccines for pregnant people
  • Vaccine for older adults
  • Lifestyle habits that can prevent the spread of infection
    • Washing your hands often
    • Avoiding exposure
    • Keeping surfaces and common areas clean
    • Not sharing drinking glasses with others
    • Not smoking
    • Washing toys regularly

A healthcare provider can diagnose RSV based on the findings of a physical exam and the time of year the symptoms occur. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds. Lab and imaging tests aren’t usually needed but they can help diagnose RSV complications and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These tests can include:

  • Blood tests to check white cell counts or to look for viruses, bacteria, and other germs
  • Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation
  • Swab secretions from inside the mouth or nose to check for signs of the virus
  • Pulse oximetry to detect lower-than-normal levels of oxygen in the blood

Treatment for RSV usually involves self-care and supportive care measures to make your child more comfortable. However, hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur.

Some self-care and supportive care treatment measures include:

  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Nasal saline drops
  • Using a humidifier
  • Drinking fluids
  • Staying away from cigarette smoke

Some hospital care treatments include:

  • Intravenous fluids
  • Humidified oxygen
  • A breathing machine

If you or someone you know has developed RSV symptoms that require medical attention, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Wellness Wednesday: Meditation

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Meditation is the habitual process of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It can wipe away the day’s stress and bring inner peace. It can also be used as a practice to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns, and even increased pain tolerance.

There are many types of mediation, including:

  • Guided meditation
  • Mantra meditation
  • Mindfulness meditation
  • Qigong
  • Tai chi
  • Yoga

Each type of meditation includes certain features to help you meditate. The most common features include:

  • Focused attention- focusing your attention is one of the most important elements of meditation. It helps free your mind from the many things that cause stress and worry.
  • Relaxed breathing- this meditation technique involves deep, even-paced breathing using the diaphragm to expand your lungs. The purpose is to slow your breathing, take in more oxygen, and reduce the use of shoulder, neck, and upper chest muscles while breathing so that you breathe better.
  • A quiet setting- if you’re a beginner, meditation may be easier to do if you’re in a quiet spot to have fewer distractions. As you get more skilled at meditation, you may be able to do it anywhere, including high-stress places.
  • A comfortable position- you can practice meditation whether sitting, lying down, walking, or in other positions or activities. Ensure you are comfortable to get the most out of your meditation. Aim to keep a good posture during meditation.
  • An open attitude- let thoughts pass through your mind without judging them.

Here are some emotional and physical benefits of meditation:

  • It helps reduce stress
  • It helps to control anxiety
  • It supports emotional health
  • It enhances self-awareness
  • It increases your attention span
  • It may reduce age-related memory loss
  • It can help generate kindness
  • It may help with addiction
  • It helps to improve sleep
  • It helps control pain
  • It can help decrease blood pressure
  • It is accessible anywhere
  • It enables you to be more patient

Meditation is something everyone can do to improve their mental and emotional health without special equipment or costly memberships. Trying a style of meditation suited to your goals is a great way to improve your quality of life, even if you only have a few minutes a day.

If you want to learn more about Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s integrative health services, events, or classes or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

National Afib Awareness Month

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September is National Afib Awareness Month. Afib stands for atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. During Afib, the heart’s upper chambers, or the atria, beat chaotically and irregularly. They beat out of sync with the lower heart chambers, the ventricles.

Afib can lead to blood clots in the heart. It also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.

It usually isn’t life-threatening, but it is a serious medical condition that needs proper treatment to prevent serious health issues.

There are many symptoms of Afib, they can include:

  • Feelings of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Lightheadedness
  • Reduced ability to exercise
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

People can experience three types of Afib, including:

  • Paroxysmal Afib
  • Persistent Afib
  • Long-standing persistent Afib

The most common cause of Afib is problems with the heart’s structure. Other health problems and heart diseases that can cause Afib include:

  • A congenital heart defect
  • Sick sinus syndrome
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure
  • Lung diseases, including pneumonia
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Infections from viruses

Many factors can increase your risk of Afib, including:

  • Age
  • Caffeine, nicotine, or illegal drug use
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Changes in the level of body minerals
  • Family history
  • Long-term health conditions
  • Obesity
  • Some medicines and supplements

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and prevent Afib. Some basic heart-healthy tips include:

  • Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
  • Not smoking or using tobacco
  • Eating a diet that is low in salt and saturated fat
  • Exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least five days a week
  • Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep a day
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing and managing stress

Afib is diagnosed when a healthcare provider examines you and asks questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to look for conditions causing irregular heartbeats such as heart disease or thyroid disease, including:

  • Blood tests
  • ECG or EKG
  • Holter monitor
  • Event recorder
  • Implantable loop recorder
  • Exercise stress tests
  • Chest X-ray

The goals of Afib treatment are to reset and control the heartbeat and prevent blood clots. Treatment for Afib depends on how long you’ve had it, your symptoms, and the cause of the irregular heartbeat. Afib treatment can include:

  • Medications
  • Cardioversion therapy
  • Surgery or catheter procedures

If you are experiencing any symptoms of Afib, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-7100. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911 right away.

 

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Oral Health

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Your oral health is more important than you might realize. The health of your mouth, teeth, and gums can affect your overall health.

Like other areas of the body, the mouth is full of germs. Those germs are mostly harmless, but the mouth is the entryway to the digestive tract. It is also the entryway to the respiratory tract. Because of this, germs in the mouth can lead to disease throughout the body.

Oral germs and inflammation are linked to a severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Studies suggest that germs and inflammation that form in the mouth might play a role in some diseases, including:

  • Endocarditis
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Pregnancy and birth complications
  • Pneumonia

Most of the body’s defenses and good oral care help keep germs under control. Good oral care includes daily brushing and flossing. Without good oral hygiene, germs can reach levels that may lead to infections like tooth decay and gum disease.

While practicing good oral hygiene can lower the risk of health problems, other factors can affect oral health. Certain medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, painkillers, water pills, and antidepressants can lower the flow of saliva. Saliva washes away food and keeps the acids germs make in the mouth in balance helping to keep them from spreading and causing disease.

Some health conditions can also affect oral health, they include:

  • Diabetes
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Cancer
  • Alzheimer’s disease

You can protect your oral health and take care of your mouth every day by:

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue too.
  • Flossing between your teeth daily.
  • Eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
  • Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Sooner if the bristles are worn out.
  • Seeing a dentist at least once a year for checkups and cleanings.

Taking care of your oral health protects your overall health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, you may call 718-206-6980

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

MPox

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Mpox previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus usually affects rats, mice, or monkeys. But it can occur in people as well.

Mpox usually occurs in Central and West Africa. Cases outside of Africa are due to international travel, imported animals, and close contact with an animal or person infected with mpox.

Mpox symptoms may start three to 17 days after exposure. Symptoms last two to four weeks and may include:

  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and backaches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

A skin rash starts about one to four days after a fever. It first appears on the face, hands, or feet and then spreads to other body parts. You can spread mpox while you have symptoms.

There are many ways that mpox can spread, including:

  • Person to person
    • Direct contact with rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids of a person with mpox
    • Extended close contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person, including sexual contact
    • Clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in contact with rashes or bodily fluids of an infected person
    • An infected pregnant person can spread the mpox virus to a fetus
  • Animal to person
    • Animal bites or scratches
    • Wild game that is cooked for food
    • Products, such as skins or furs made from infected animals
    • Direct contact with bodily fluids or rashes of animals with mpox

There are many steps you can take to prevent infection or the spread of the mpox virus, including:

  • Avoiding close contact with people who have a rash that looks like mpox
  • Avoiding the handling of clothes, sheets, blankets, or other materials that have been in close contact with an infected animal or person
  • Quarantining people who have mpox from healthy people
  • Washing your hands well with soap and water after contact with an infected person or animal. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoiding animals that may carry the virus

The treatment for most people with mpox is aimed at relieving symptoms. Care may include managing skin damage from the mpox rash, drinking enough fluids to help keep stool soft, and pain management. There is no specific treatment approved for mpox. Healthcare professionals may treat mpox with antiviral drugs used to treat smallpox. If you have mpox, quarantine at home in a room separate from family and pets until your rash and scabs heal.

You can make an appointment for mpox treatment and prevention at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s on-site Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month

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September is sickle cell awareness month. Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. It is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The disease gets its name from the abnormal crescent or “sickle” shape that some red blood cells develop, causing those red blood cells to block the blood flow through the body creating recurring episodes of pain.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong disease affecting more than 100,000 people in the United States and 20 million worldwide. In the U.S., most people who have sickle cell disease are of African ancestry or identify themselves as black. About one in 13 Black or African American babies are born with the sickle cell trait and about one in every 365 Black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease. Many people who come from Hispanic, Southern European, Middle Eastern, or Asian Indian backgrounds also have sickle cell disease.

There are many symptoms of sickle cell disease. Early symptoms can include:

  • Jaundice- a condition that causes the color of the skin or whites of the eyes to turn yellow
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Many serious symptoms and complications of sickle disease can include:

  • Episodes of severe pain
  • Anemia symptoms- fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat
  • Fever
  • Acute chest syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Priapism
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Organ damage
  • Leg ulcers
  • Gallstones
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Vision problems
  • Frequent infections

There are many ways to manage and treat sickle cell disease including:

  • Medicines
  • Blood transfusions
  • Blood and bone marrow transplant
  • Gene therapies
  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

Your healthcare team will probably include a doctor specializing in blood diseases called a hematologist.

If you need help managing symptoms of sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait, schedule an appointment with a hematologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine at (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Hand Hygiene for Children

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Hand hygiene is essential for overall health. Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children how to wash their hands. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses as it is the best way to keep children from getting sick.

Here are some tips you can use to turn handwashing into a healthy habit for life:

  • Explain the benefits of handwashing
  • Demonstrate the correct steps of handwashing
    • Step 1: Wet hands with running water
    • Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
    • Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
    • Step 4: Rinse hands thoroughly with running water
    • Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or a single-use towel
  • Hands should be washed with soap for at least 20-30 seconds. An easy way to determine the time is by singing the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice.
  • Set the times when they should be washing their hands
    • When they are visibly dirty
    • Before and after eating
    • After using the toilet
    • After touching animals and pets
    • After blowing their nose or when they cough or sneeze
    • Before and after visiting friends and relatives
  • Turn it into a fun family activity

There might be moments when children can’t get to a bathroom to wash their hands with soap and water. Teach them how to use hand sanitizer, especially one that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Handwashing can become a lifelong habit if you start teaching it to children at an early age. The time you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Social Anxiety

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Social anxiety disorder is a medical condition that causes intense fear of being judged or watched by others in social situations.

Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or adults.

Like many other mental health conditions, social anxiety disorder likely arises from a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, which may include:

  • Inherited traits
  • Brain structure
  • Environment

Several factors increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Family history
  • Negative experiences
  • Temperament
  • New social or work demands
  • Having an appearance or condition that draws attention to them

There are many signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including:

  • Emotional and behavioral symptoms
    • Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively
    • Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
    • Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
    • Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
    • Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice
    • Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment
    • Avoidance of situations where you might be the center of attention
    • Intense fear or anxiety during social situations
    • Analysis of your performance and identification of flaws in your interactions after a social situation
    • Expectation of the worst possible consequences from a negative experience during a social situation
  • Physical and physiological symptoms
    • Blushing
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Trembling
    • Sweating
    • Upset stomach or nausea
    • Trouble catching your breath
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Feeling that your mind has gone blank
    • Muscle tension

People living with social anxiety may avoid social situations such as:

  • Interacting with unfamiliar people or strangers
  • Attending parties or social gatherings
  • Going to work or school
  • Starting conversations
  • Making eye contact
  • Dating
  • Eating in front of others
  • Using a public restroom
  • Taking or making phone calls
  • Performing in front of people

The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can change over time. They may flare up if you’re facing many changes, stresses, or demands in your life.

Although avoiding situations that produce anxiety may make you feel better in the short term, your anxiety is likely to continue over the long term if you don’t get treatment. Therefore, you should speak to your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your healthcare provider will want to determine whether other conditions may be causing your anxiety or if you have a social anxiety disorder along with another physical or mental health disorder. They may determine a diagnosis based on the following:

  • A physical exam to help assess whether any medical condition or medication may trigger symptoms of anxiety
  • A discussion of your symptoms, how often they occur, and in what situations
  • A review of a list of situations to see if they make you anxious
  • Self-report questionnaires about symptoms of social anxiety
  • Criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment depends on how much social anxiety disorder affects your ability to function in daily life. Treatments can include:

  • Psychotherapy (the most common treatment)
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety
  • Medications
    • Antidepressants
    • Anti-anxiety medications
    • Beta-blockers

If you or someone you know has a social anxiety disorder, you can call or schedule an appointment with a mental health provider at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5575.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.