Social and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Testing in Knoxville, Tennessee

Athena Care Knoxville, Tennessee

At our Athena Care clinic in Knoxville, we specialize in comprehensive assessment for anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and generalized anxiety testing. Formal psychological assessments provide valuable insights into your strengths and challenges. They also help guide your care team in planning safe and effective treatments.

In addition to providing comprehensive diagnostic testing for anxiety and other mental disorders, Athena Care also provides a full range of other testing services. These include neuropsychological testing, neurodevelopmental testing for ADHD and autism, personality assessment, assessment for mood disorders and testing for other concerns in mental health. We also provide therapy, medication management, intensive outpatient services, TMS therapy and Spravato (esketamine) treatment.

What is Social Anxiety?

If you have social anxiety disorder, you aren’t just shy. You feel intensely afraid of social interactions because you expect to humiliate yourself by saying something foolish, by not knowing what to say, by showing physical signs of discomfort (e.g., sweating, trembling), or by committing some other social faux pas.

Social anxiety can seriously interfere with your daily life. You may avoid taking part in conversations or offering your ideas. You may refuse to speak in front of a group or turn down work or school opportunities that require public speaking. You may avoid parties or other social situations or endure them with intense discomfort. If left untreated, social anxiety disorder may cause you to achieve less than your potential and to isolate yourself instead of developing enriching and supportive relationships.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

If you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), you tend to expect disaster and worry persistently about everyday things like health, money, family, work, or school, out of proportion to the actual situation. Instead of living in the present moment, engaged with loved ones and activities, you often feel consumed by worry.

Sadly, this unrelenting worry can damage the things in life that matter most—your relationships, your daily functioning and even your physical health. GAD can make it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. You may feel easily irritated and have trouble being the kind and patient parent, partner and/or friend you want to be. Worrying may exhaust you and lead to headaches, tension, nausea, or other physical symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal and adaptive response to stress or a perceived threat. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily functioning, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Signs and symptoms of anxiety can vary widely, and not everyone with anxiety experiences the same set of symptoms.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

• Intense Fear of Social Situations. You may experience excessive and irrational fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations.
• Avoidance of Social Activities. You may often go to great lengths to avoid social events, parties, or gatherings. This can interfere with your daily life and relationships.
• Physical Symptoms. You may experience uncomfortable physical symptoms when you’re in social situations such as sweating, trembling, blushing, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat.
• Negative Self-Evaluation. You may have low self-esteem and engage in negative self-talk, continuously worrying about what others think of you.
• Difficulty Initiating or Maintaining Conversations. You may find it challenging to start or sustain conversations because you fear that others will judge or criticize you.
• Excessive Self-Consciousness. You may feel especially self-conscious and preoccupied with your behavior, appearance and perceived flaws during social situations.
• Fear of Public Speaking. You may feel very uncomfortable speaking in front of a group, even if it’s a small audience.
• Physical Symptoms During Social Interactions. You may experience physical symptoms like trembling, sweating, blushing, or feeling dizzy during social interactions.
• Anticipation Anxiety. Your anxiety may begin days or even weeks before the social event, and it may grow more intense as the event approaches.
• Difficulty Making Eye Contact. Making direct eye contact with other people may cause you to feel even more anxious. Consequently, you may avoid making eye contact.
• Difficulty Eating or Drinking in Public. You may fear being watched or judged while eating or drinking in public places. This can lead to avoidance of such situations.
• Performance Anxiety. You may fear being evaluated or judged negatively in performance-related situations, such as giving a presentation or performing on stage.

Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Excessive, ongoing worry that is difficult to stop 
• Feeling restless, keyed up, tense or on edge 
• Trouble concentrating, mind going “blank” 
• Fatigue, tiring easily 
• Increased irritability  
• Trouble falling or staying asleep 
• Muscle tension, aches or soreness

While anxiety is a normal part of life, excessive or chronic anxiety that significantly impacts daily functioning may require professional help. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent anxiety symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or mental health provider for a proper assessment and guidance on appropriate treatment options. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both may be recommended depending on the severity and specific type of anxiety disorder.

Social Anxiety Testing and Assessment in Knoxville, TN

Athena Care offers social anxiety disorder testing at our clinic in Knoxville, TN. This typically involves a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional to determine the presence and severity of social anxiety symptoms. There isn’t a single specific test that definitively diagnoses social anxiety disorder; instead, the evaluation is usually multifaceted and may include various components.

These components often include a clinical interview, self-report measures, and collateral information.  During the clinical interview, a psychologist, therapist or other mental health professional will gather information about your background, your current symptoms and the impact that your symptoms have on your daily life. Your clinician may ask you to complete standardized questionnaires or self-report measures to further assess the presence and severity of your symptoms. Once all necessary information is gathered, your clinician will consider other possible explanations to rule out alternative causes or co-occurring mental health conditions that may contribute to symptoms that mimic social anxiety. Finally, your clinician will write a report that summarizes their findings and gives specific recommendations for treatment.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Testing and Assessment in Knoxville, TN

Athena Care Knoxville offers comprehensive testing for generalized anxiety disorder. Testing typically involves a thorough assessment by a mental health professional to establish the presence and severity of anxiety symptoms and to determine whether symptoms are part of generalized anxiety or another condition. There is no single test for generalized anxiety. Instead, the evaluation usually includes a variety of components.

The components of a generalized anxiety disorder assessment often include a clinical interview, self-report measures, and collateral information.  During the clinical interview, a psychologist, therapist or other mental health professional will ask about your background, your current symptoms and the impact that your symptoms have on your daily life. Your clinician may have you complete standardized questionnaires to further assess the presence and severity of your symptoms. Your clinician will also ask questions to rule-out alternative causes or co-occurring mental health conditions that may contribute to symptoms that mimic generalized anxiety. Finally, the clinician will write a report summarizing their findings and providing specific recommendations for treatment.

Testing for Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety may be distinct mental health conditions, but it’s common for individuals to experience both, either simultaneously or at different times. Co-occurring anxiety and depression can make it more difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Fortunately, Athena Care Knoxville offers testing services for a full range of mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression.

The association between depression and anxiety is multi-faceted and includes shared symptoms (such as changes in sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability) and overlapping neurobiology (evidence suggests that abnormalities in brain structure and functioning along with changes in neurotransmitter function may contribute to both conditions)¹. Other shared factors include chronic stress, negative thought patterns and environmental triggers.

How to Find Anxiety Testing and Assessment Center Knoxville, TN

Living in Knoxville, TN and looking for anxiety testing, specialists or treatment centers? Athena Care, located at 10133 Sherrill Blvd Suite 220, Knoxville, TN 37932, provides comprehensive services for anxiety, including testing, therapy, medication management and other mental health services.

Athena Care Anxiety Services Include:

1. Anxiety Testing: Athena Care provides thorough anxiety assessments, an essential first step in accurate diagnosis. Our team uses a variety of assessment components to identify the presence and severity of mental health symptoms. A thorough assessment helps guide effective treatment planning.
2. Anxiety Specialist Consultation: Our anxiety specialists will guide you through the process of understanding and managing anxiety. Our providers have extensive knowledge and expertise, ensuring that you receive high-quality care.
3. Anxiety Treatment: Following an anxiety diagnosis, Athena Care offers a range of treatment options. Depending on your needs, this could include psychotherapy, medication management or a combination of both.

At Athena Care, we understand that anxiety can make life challenging. That’s why we’re committed to providing empathetic, effective and accessible care. Our treatment facility is easily located from all parts of the city, whether you’re coming from the University of Tennessee (UT) Campus, Downtown Knoxville, Market Square, or South Knoxville (SoKno). We are also in-network with most major insurance companies. Call us at (877) 641-1155, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. One of our care coordinators will help you get the care you need.

Does health Insurance Cover Anxiety in Tennessee?

Most health insurance companies cover anxiety testing and treatment when certain requirements are met. These include companies such as Aetna, Ambetter, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee, Cigna, TRICARE and UnitedHealthcare. However, coverage for services depends on your specific insurance plan. Most plans require that you fulfill your deductible, pay a co-pay or pay co-insurance for mental health services.

Since the services your insurance company will cover are largely dictated by your plan, it’s important to carefully review your insurance policy, paying attention to any information related to mental and behavioral health services. The most reliable method for determining your coverage may be to contact your health insurance company directly.

For anxiety testing and treatment services in Tennessee, call or text us at (877) 641-1155. One of our care coordinators will answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you get the care you need.

H2:  How Much Does Anxiety Testing Cost in Knoxville, TN?

The cost of anxiety testing in Knoxville, Tennessee, can vary based on several factors, including your insurance coverage, the type of assessments needed and the healthcare provider or facility conducting the testing. If you were to pay out-of-pocket for an anxiety assessment, the cost would likely range from around $250-$750.

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans provide coverage for psychological testing and related mental health services. Check with your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage, any out-of-pocket expenses that you’ll have to pay, and any specific requirements for obtaining coverage (e.g., receiving referrals or pre-authorization for services).

Diagnostic Services and Providers

How much you’ll pay for anxiety testing may depend on the specific diagnostic tests required and the professionals conducting the evaluation. Psychologists, licensed therapists, and other specialists may have varying fees for their services. You may be able to obtain a lower cost evaluation at a college or university in which graduate students perform the assessments under supervision from a licensed psychologist.

Anxiety facts and Statistics in Tennessee

Many adults living in Tennessee experience anxiety. According to results from the Household Pulse Survey conducted between February 1 to 13, 2023, 31.3% of Tennessee respondents reported symptoms of anxiety.In addition, 37.3% of Tennessee respondents reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which is higher than the US average of 32.3%².

Anxiety is also common in children. According to results from the Vanderbilt Tennessee Child Health Poll in Fall 2022, 14.3% of parents reported their child was diagnosed with anxiety. In addition, 20.2% of parents were concerned that their child had undiagnosed anxiety³.