How long does it take for therapy to work for anxiety?

Do you often struggle to recall a recent conversation or the details of an important task? You might think it's just forgetfulness, but anxiety could be the cause. Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, not just through its emotional toll but also by impairing cognitive functions like memory. Understanding how anxiety impacts memory can help you manage your symptoms of anxiety better and take proactive steps to improve your memory. In this informational article, we'll explore how anxiety affects memory, discuss various types of anxiety-related memory loss,  and outline strategies and treatment options that could help manage these effects. {MiniWidget:Anxiety} Types of anxiety-related memory loss Anxiety-related memory loss can manifest in various ways. Understanding these types can help in identifying the symptoms and seeking appropriate help.  Short-term memory and anxiety Do you have trouble remembering things that happened recently? Anxiety can interfere with short-term memory by making it difficult to focus and concentrate on the present moment, leading to lapses in recalling recent events or information. When your mind is preoccupied with worry, paying attention and retaining new information becomes harder. For example, you might forget where you placed your keys or miss important points in a meeting. Working memory and anxiety Working memory is crucial for tasks that require you to process and analyze information, such as problem-solving and decision-making. Anxiety can reduce the capacity of working memory, making it challenging to perform these tasks effectively. If you find it hard to keep track of multiple tasks or struggle with mental arithmetic, anxiety might be impacting your working memory. This can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming and contribute to a cycle of stress and forgetfulness. Long-term memory and anxiety Long-term memory can also be affected by anxiety. The stress and distraction caused by anxiety can make it difficult to encode new information into your long-term memory and retrieve that stored information. Chronic anxiety can interfere with the consolidation of memories, meaning you might struggle to remember events from your past. How anxiety affects memory Anxiety impacts various cognitive functions, with memory being particularly vulnerable. The brain's response to anxiety can alter how memories are formed, stored, and recalled. This is primarily due to the body's stress response, which includes the release of cortisol and other stress hormones. These biochemical changes can hinder the processes necessary for effective memory retention and retrieval. How anxiety impacts the brain Anxiety can have several effects on the brain, which in turn impact memory: Overstimulation: When you experience anxiety, your brain is in a state of heightened arousal, which can lead to overstimulation. This overstimulation can interfere with the brain's ability to process and store information effectively, leading to memory problems. Heightened cortisol levels: Anxiety often results in elevated cortisol levels, a hormone released in response to stress. Chronic high cortisol levels can damage the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming new memories and retrieving old ones. Understanding these mechanisms can provide deeper insight into how anxiety disrupts memory. How anxiety affects memory formation and recall Anxiety can impact how our brain processes and stores information in the following ways: Short-term memory and anxiety: When you're anxious, your brain prioritizes immediate threats over other information. This means essential details and tasks can slip through the cracks, leading to gaps in your short-term memory. The constant state of alertness makes it challenging to focus on and remember recent events. Working memory and anxiety: Anxiety can also impact your ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind, making multitasking or following complex instructions particularly difficult. The mental clutter caused by anxiety can crowd out the information you need to retain. Long-term memory and anxiety: The stress hormones released during anxious episodes can interfere with the processes that consolidate memories, making it harder to build a robust memory bank. Anxiety can significantly disrupt short-term, working, and long-term memory, making everyday tasks and information retention more challenging. However, you could improve your memory and overall cognitive function by recognizing these effects and implementing interventions like relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and seeking professional help. Other contributing factors In addition to the physiological impacts of anxiety on memory, some other factors can contribute to memory loss or challenges with recollection. Distracted thinking Anxiety often leads to distracted thinking, where your mind is preoccupied with worries and fears. This distracted thinking can disrupt the cognitive processes involved in memory formation, leading to forgetfulness and confusion. Stress-related fatigue Chronic anxiety can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, making it hard to focus and remember information. When you're constantly tired, your brain has to work harder to process information, which can further impair memory. Panic attacks and memory loss Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear that can cause physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. During a panic attack, your brain's 'fight-or-flight' response activates and floods your body with stress hormones. This acute stress can disrupt the functioning of the hippocampus, leading to temporary memory loss. People often report difficulty recalling details of their surroundings or what happened during a panic attack. Other potential causes of memory loss While anxiety can significantly impact memory, it's essential to consider other potential causes of memory loss, such as: Depression: Depression can also affect memory and cognitive function. Sleep disorders: Lack of sleep can impair memory and concentration. Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that impact memory. Medical conditions: Conditions like thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and neurological diseases can affect memory. If you're experiencing persistent memory issues, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment. How to improve memory under stress There are strategies that can be used to improve memory and manage the stress caused by anxiety. Try relaxation techniques Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can help reduce anxiety and improve your ability to concentrate and remember things. The goal of these practices is to help calm your mind, making it easier to focus and retain information. Increase exercise Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the growth of new neurons, and helps release endorphins, which can boost mood and mental performance. Improve sleep Quality sleep is crucial for memory consolidation. Anxiety can disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder to get the rest you need. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a calming bedtime environment can help improve sleep quality and enhance memory. Try journaling Writing in a journal often benefits your mental health by helping you process emotions, organize thoughts, and reduce anxiety. Journaling can also serve as a tool for tracking your memory and identifying patterns or triggers that may be affecting your cognitive function. Try these memory strategies For some people, using certain strategies makes it easier to remember things by creating associations and breaking down complex information into manageable parts. Use mnemonics: Mnemonics are memory aids that help you remember information through association. Stay organized: Keeping a planner or to-do list can help you remember important tasks and appointments. Break tasks into smaller steps: Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less overwhelming and easier to remember. Visualization: Visualizing information or creating mental images can enhance memory retention by making abstract concepts more concrete. Chunking: Grouping information into smaller chunks can help you remember more by reducing cognitive load. For instance, breaking down long numbers into groups of three or four digits makes them easier to recall. Some may work better for you than others, so experiment and find out which techniques are most effective for improving your recall and cognitive function. Treatment options There are various treatment options available for managing anxiety and improving memory.  Therapy Therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety and its impact on memory. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. A licensed therapist in your state can also work with you to implement tools and strategies to manage anxiety and improve cognitive function. Medications Medications can be an effective part of anxiety treatment. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to help manage anxiety symptoms. It's essential to work with a licensed provider to assess what treatment options might work for your specific needs. Taking proactive steps Anxiety can significantly impact memory, affecting both short-term and long-term recall. Understanding how anxiety influences memory and adopting strategies to manage it can help improve cognitive function. Incorporating relaxation techniques, exercise, good sleep habits, and journaling into your routine could help you mitigate the effects of anxiety on your memory. Additionally, therapy and medication generally provide added support. Cerebral provides a convenient and accessible way to receive therapy, medication, and support for anxiety. Remember: It's important to address anxiety and memory issues early to prevent them from interfering with daily life. Do I have anxiety? While only a licensed professional can make a diagnosis, if you’re asking yourself this question because you feel anxiety could be impacting your memory, you can get some initial insights before seeking a professional assessment. Take our free 3-minute anxiety self-assessment to help you understand more about possible anxiety symptoms and their severity. Images by Drazen Zigic, katemangostar, and drrobotdean on Freepik. *The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.

We accept certain medical screenings as regular parts of life. For example, cancer screenings such as breast exams and colonoscopies are widely recognized recommendations for standard, high-quality medical care. There is a lesser-known important screening: For the first time, medical experts have begun recommending that all adults under 65 should be screened for anxiety. {MiniWidget:Anxiety} Articles showcased: The New York Times, NPR, and NBC News The value of screening for anxiety Unfortunately, many people who have an anxiety disorder live with it unknowingly for years before they’re diagnosed. Screening for anxiety disorders can easily change that. And that’s important because these undiagnosed cases could increase. Several changes that have changed our social fabric — social media, COVID-19, and an increasingly polarized political environment — have only worsened anxiety symptoms for many. When left untreated, anxiety disorders may lead to the development of depressive symptoms. Additionally, untreated anxiety has been linked to higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, elevated blood pressure, and other medical conditions. Luckily, there are very effective treatments for anxiety disorders that can be administered via telehealth. Both talk therapy and medications can help relieve anxiety symptoms. How to screen for anxiety Researchers have developed a brief anxiety questionnaire that’s replicated in our free screener for anxiety and only takes a few minutes to complete. Just 7 questions long, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) asks about certain symptoms of anxiety. The resulting score will be classified as either mild, moderate, or severe in terms of symptom severity. Keep in mind: This is just a screener, and a high score doesn’t necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder, and a low score doesn’t rule out the possibility that you do. Furthermore, there are many different types of anxiety disorders, and evidence-based treatment varies depending on the specific type. We encourage you to talk to a mental health professional to help you with the next steps. Cerebral can connect you with a clinician within days. Get screened: Take our free anxiety self-assessment today. David Mou, MD David is a board-certified psychiatrist. He completed his psychiatry training at Harvard’s MGH-McLean residency program. Image by lookstudio on Freepik. *The information in this blog is provided as a general educational resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purpose. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment and does not create any patient-physician relationship between you and Cerebral. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or to get guidance about a specific medical condition.

We understand that finding affordable mental healthcare may feel like a daunting task. With rising medication and therapy costs, many people can find it hard to access the support they need within their budget. We're on a steadfast mission to change that. Here, we’ll guide you through using insurance for mental health services at Cerebral, making it easier and more affordable to get the care you deserve. {MiniWidget:Generic} More insurance partners, more access At Cerebral, we continuously collaborate with insurance partners to expand access to our online mental health services. This expansion aims to provide more people with access to our affordable therapy and psychiatry options, potentially reducing cost as a barrier. By working with various insurance providers and growing our partnerships, we strive to offer affordable therapy and medication management to all who need it. Check your insurance coverage Understanding your insurance coverage is essential if you’re looking for low-cost therapy, affordable medication management, or both. With Cerebral, you can connect with licensed prescribers and therapists who accept: Cigna BlueCross BlueShield United Healthcare & Optum and more Availability is based on state, and you can find the full details here. Wondering if you can use your insurance for Cerebral? Here are the steps you can take to check your insurance coverage for therapy and/or medication management: Verify with Cerebral: With your insurance information in hand, you can check your coverage. If your plan is eligible, we'll onboard you with a credentialed clinician. Review your benefits: Look through your insurance plan details to understand the extent of your coverage, including copays, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket costs. It never hurts to double-check. You could also reach out to your insurance company to verify if they cover mental health services, including therapy sessions and medication management for mental health conditions, under your plan. Because we're working toward adding new partners to provide low-cost therapy and medication management, you always have the option of signing up and using your insurance at a later date if your carrier becomes a partner. How it works After you’ve confirmed your eligibility, getting started with Cerebral is easy. Here’s how it works: Create your account in a few easy steps, and we’ll set you up with an in-network plan. Choose your in-network clinician and schedule a session on a weekday, night, or weekend.  Collaborate with your care team on a personalized plan with progress tracking and ongoing support. Focus on your care — we bill your insurance provider for you. The majority of our clients are able to see someone within a week, and while most of them are happy with their first choice, you can pick a new one whenever you want for any reason.  Cost of Cerebral subscription benefits With insurance, you can access all subscription plan benefits for $30 per month. This fee includes a range of services and features designed to support your mental health goals, including: Quick access to care (typically less than a week)  Easy online scheduling and session reminders Flexibility to choose your preferred in-network clinician  A personalized treatment plan with progress tracking Unlimited messaging with your care team between visits  In-app resources and therapeutic exercises  Complimentary lab work at partner labs when clinically appropriate for bipolar treatment Access to CerebralRx, our at-home medication delivery service with free 2-day delivery It’s important to note that CerebralRx medication costs are billed separately and are not covered by insurance benefits. If you choose to fill your prescription through another pharmacy, your insurance may cover those medications. You may also be responsible for additional cost share fees such as copays and deductibles. Understanding cost share Depending on your insurance plan, you could be responsible for additional cost-share fees like copayments, coinsurance, or the full cost of services if you haven't met your deductible. If you’re newer to the ins and outs of insurance (or, understandably, get a little confused by it), here’s what those terms mean: Copayment (copay): A fixed amount you pay for covered services at the time of your visit. Coinsurance: A percentage of the costs of a covered healthcare service you pay after your deductible. Deductible: The amount you need to pay out of pocket for healthcare services before your health insurance plan begins to cover costs. Your insurance company will send you an explanation of benefits (EOB) outlining any additional costs. For copays and your deductible, you might be able to offset costs by using tax-free dollars from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). No one likes surprise bills, so we also notify you of any owed cost share fees 7 days before charging the payment method on file. Cerebral Network and clinicians At Cerebral, we offer a network of fully licensed and trained prescribers and therapists that you can connect with all from the comfort and convenience of your home. At Cerebral, we display profiles of in-network providers, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and is in-network with your payer. When using insurance for Cerebral, you’ll be able to meet with your care team whenever clinically appropriate. We’ll manage all the billing and claim submissions for you so you can focus on getting high-quality care. You can also message our care team for support between sessions. They're available during business hours and will respond to you within 1-3 business days. Other ways to help cover costs If you would prefer not to use your in-network coverage or aren't covered by insurance or one of our partners, there are other options.  Using FSA/HSA funds FSA or HSA accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses, often including mental health services. You can absolutely use your HSA or FSA card as your primary payment method in your Cerebral account. Just a reminder: These accounts could also be used to cover copays and your deductible. It's always helpful to double-check and get more information. Contact your insurance provider to find out more about HSA or FSA options and how to submit receipts for reimbursement. They can also provide answers to any questions you have about ​​submitting a claim, using your HSA or FSA funds, or receiving reimbursements. How to get reimbursed for out-of-network services If you decide to choose an out-of-network clinician, you can request a special type of itemized receipt (known as a superbill) that typically includes: Client contact information  Provider information   Your diagnosis in the form of an ICD code  CPT code(s)  Dates of service Itemized list of costs Referrer contact information (if applicable) Our team would be happy to assist you with this process — all included with your subscription plan. Then, all that’s left is submitting it to your insurance provider for reimbursement. How to get one: To request a superbill, simply log into your account and send us a message. Requesting verification of your payer when added We’re continuously working to onboard new payers to expand our insurance coverage. If your insurance provider isn't currently on our list, as a Cerebral client, we'll notify you via email when new partners are added. This way, you can start using your plan benefits as soon as your carrier becomes available. Expanding insurance partnerships At Cerebral, we understand the importance of accessible mental health care. That's why we're committed to expanding our insurance partnerships to provide more people with the support they need. We're actively working to onboard new providers so our clients can have more options for affordable mental health care. Navigating insurance coverage for mental health services can be challenging, but we’re doing what we can to make it easier. Our expanded insurance partners and low-cost monthly subscription plans for insured clients can help you receive high-quality care with the convenience and affordability you deserve. Check your insurance coverage today and take the first step toward better mental health. Images by diana.grytsku and freepik on Freepik.