To diagnose an anxiety disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends a blood test, which helps the doctor determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, may be causing your symptoms. The doctor may also ask about any medications you are taking.
Medication. If you or your child is diagnosed with anxiety, your doctor will likely refer you to a psychiatrist who can decide what anxiety medications will work best. Sticking to the recommended treatment plan is crucial for the medications to work effectively. Try not to delay your treatment.
But it's important that your GP understands your symptoms and circumstances so the correct diagnosis can be made. You're most likely to be diagnosed with GAD if you have had symptoms for 6 months or more. Finding it difficult to manage your feelings of anxiety is also an indication that you may have the condition.
From the time of diagnosis, an anxiety disorder can last from a few months to many years. Most people will have symptoms of an anxiety disorder for a long time before seeking professional help, sometimes up to 15 years³.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may use a detailed questionnaire to do this. The more detailed your answers about what you're experiencing, the better. You may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if your symptoms are affecting your ability to function.
Focus on how you feel, rather than what diagnosis you might meet. Try to explain how you've been feeling over the past few months or weeks, and anything that has changed. Use words and descriptions that feel natural to you – you don't have to say specific things to get help.
You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress. They can diagnose your condition based on your symptoms, which may include: feeling restless or on edge.
Anxiety is linked to many medical conditions, so it's always a good idea to speak with your doctor about it. If you're concerned about your feelings of anxiety, that's reason enough to talk with your doctor — there's no need to wait.
Many health professionals provide mental health services. Your doctor (GP) is often a good place to start for most mental health conditions. Doctors can provide treatment or refer you to other services for mental health.
Like other situations in which a person might feel performance anxiety, test anxiety can bring on "butterflies," a stomachache, or a headache. Some people might feel shaky or sweaty, or feel their heart beating quickly as they wait for the test to be given out.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental health condition. Anxiety makes it difficult to get through your day. Symptoms include feelings of nervousness, panic and fear as well as sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Treatments include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Symptoms of severe anxiety are frequent and persistent and may include increased heart rate, feelings of panic and social withdrawal. These symptoms can result in loss of work and increased health care costs.
feeling tense, nervous or unable to relax. having a sense of dread, or fearing the worst. feeling like the world is speeding up or slowing down. feeling like other people can see you're anxious and are looking at you.
Anxiety can be caused by a variety of things: stress, genetics, brain chemistry, traumatic events, or environmental factors. Symptoms can be reduced with anti-anxiety medication. But even with medication, people may still experience some anxiety or even panic attacks.
One study found that test anxiety is more detrimental to performance for some people than others. Students with good working memories actually achieved higher test results when they had test anxiety. However, students with poor working memory had poor test results associated with test anxiety.
Differences. The symptoms of ADHD are slightly different from those of anxiety. ADHD symptoms mainly involve issues with focus and concentration. Anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, involve issues with nervousness and fear.
You're Perpetually Nervous and on Edge
In that case, bring that up with your clinician or find one who can explain what is happening to you. If talk therapy isn't enough to help control your anxiety, your clinician may recommend prescription medications to treat it.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft.
Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).
Benzodiazepines (like Xanax) are taken for anxiety and panic attacks as needed. They work rapidly (30-60 minutes) and wear off after several hours.