Doctors who treat anxiety

To effectively manage anxiety, you may need the help of several specialists, so you need to know who to contact with anxiety problems. It can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or a nurse at a psychiatric hospital. It is also worth considering joining a support group where you can get help and share experiences with other people who are facing similar difficulties.

An anxiety disorder is a serious medical condition, and its treatment should be timely and professional. The sooner you start therapy, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome. It's important to be as open and honest as possible with your doctor, as this will help you choose the most effective treatment plan. It is equally important to feel comfortable with the doctor who is treating you. If you feel that you do not have confidence in a specialist or feel uncomfortable, do not be afraid to see another specialist. Your well-being should come first.

You and your generalized anxiety disorder doctor should work as a team to effectively treat your anxiety. Support from different professionals can make this process much easier. A good starting point is your primary care physician, who can refer you to specialists such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. It is important to have an open dialogue with your doctor to find the best way to overcome anxiety together and to ensure effective support at every stage of treatment.

Primary care physician

Your primary care provider will perform a complete physical examination to rule out possible physical causes of your anxiety symptoms. Symptoms can be caused by various factors, such as

  • hormonal imbalance
  • side effects of medications;
  • certain diseases (for example, problems with the thyroid gland or cardiovascular system)
  • other medical conditions.

If your anxiety doctor rules out other physical conditions and your symptoms point to an anxiety disorder, you may be referred to a mental health professional. This may be a psychologist or psychiatrist, depending on the situation. Referral is especially important if the anxiety is intense or is accompanied by other mental health conditions, such as depression. A mental health professional will be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Psychologist

A psychologist can offer various forms of psychotherapy, such as talk therapy or counseling, to help identify the causes of your anxiety and change behavioral responses. This approach is especially helpful for those who have been through traumatic experiences or abuse. If you live in Illinois, Louisiana, or New Mexico, your psychologist may also be authorized to prescribe medication for depression, as it is allowed in those states. In other cases, a psychiatrist may decide on medication.

Your treatment prescribed by an anxiety disorder specialist will most likely be in addition to your current treatment with your primary care provider. The combination of psychotherapy and medication is a common approach to healing anxiety disorders. This allows you to get both emotional support and understanding of the causes of anxiety, as well as physical stabilization of symptoms with the help of medications.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. He or she may offer the following care options: anxiety psychotherapy or medication to manage your anxiety disorder. Due to their medical training, psychiatrists can prescribe medications to help reduce anxiety symptoms and stabilize the patient's condition, combining this with psychotherapeutic methods.

Psychiatric nurse practitioner

Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide primary care for people with mental disorders, playing an important role in modern psychiatry. They can diagnose and treat mental illnesses and prescribe medications, which significantly increases access to quality psychiatric care. Due to the decline in the number of medical students choosing psychiatry, the importance of these nurses is growing as they cover the shortage of psychiatric care by providing patients with the support they need.

Such doctors can not only assist with diagnosis and medication but also provide practical advice and explain, for example, how to deal with anxiety at work, in family life, and other areas.

Preparing for your visit to the doctor

In order to make your visit to the doctor as effective as possible, you should prepare in advance. Take a few minutes to clearly articulate what symptoms or problems you want to discuss, and think about the questions you want to ask. It is best to write everything down in advance so that you do not forget important points during the conversation.

What you need to tell your doctor

This information will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis of your condition:

  1. Make a list of symptoms. Describe when they appeared, how they affect your life, and whether they change over time.
  2. Write down life stressors and traumas. It is important to note both past and present situations that may have affected your emotional state.
  3. Include all health conditions. Both mental and physical issues can play a significant role.
  4. Make a list of medications and supplements. Include the dosage and frequency of all medications.

Also list other substances you consume or use, such as:

  • coffee
  • alcohol
  • tobacco
  • drugs
  • sugar (especially if you consume large amounts of it).

Questions to ask your doctor

You've probably thought about many things you want to discuss with your doctor. However, in a stressful situation, it is easy to forget something. Writing down your questions will help you maintain clarity, save time, and improve communication with your doctor. Start with the most important questions, as there may not be enough time to discuss them all. Here are some examples of questions to ask your doctor, and don't forget to add your own:

  1. Can you diagnose me with an anxiety disorder?
  2. What other conditions could be causing my symptoms?
  3. What treatment do you recommend for my case?
  4. Do I need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist for additional help?
  5. What medications do you recommend? What are the possible side effects, and how can they be avoided or alleviated?
  6. Are there generic versions of the medication? What is the optimal treatment period?
  7. How soon can I expect to see an improvement in my condition?
  8. What additional measures can I take to relieve my symptoms?

Questions your doctor may ask you

A list of questions that you prepare will help you be prepared to answer the doctor's questions. Here are some questions that doctors may ask a patient with anxiety during an appointment:

  • What are your symptoms and how severe are they?
  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • When do you experience symptoms: all the time, sometimes, or at certain times?
  • What makes your symptoms worse?
  • What makes your symptoms easier?
  • What physical and mental health conditions do you have?
  • What medications are you currently taking?
  • Do you use caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs? How often and in what amounts?
  • What stresses do you experience at work or school?
  • What is your living situation? Do you live alone or with family?
  • Are you in a committed relationship?
  • How would you describe your relationships with friends and family: positive or strained?
  • How do your symptoms affect your work, school, and relationships?
  • Have you experienced any traumatic events in the past?
  • Is there a history of mental illness in your family?

Coping, support and resources

In addition to basic treatment, consider joining a support group. Interacting with others who are experiencing similar symptoms can provide you with valuable emotional support. Knowing that you are not alone in your struggle can be very reassuring. Group members who have had similar experiences can understand your feelings and provide moral support and motivation. In addition, participating in such groups can help you develop new social skills and find ways to communicate effectively.

There are probably several support groups in your area that specialize in your particular disorder or anxiety in general. To find out about available resources in your area, contact your healthcare providers. You can ask for information from

  • A mental health professional
  • Your general practitioner
  • your local mental health agency.

You can also join online support groups. This can be a great option if you have social anxiety disorder or if you feel uncomfortable in traditional groups. Online platforms allow you to connect with other people who are going through similar difficulties and can provide the support you need without being physically present.

Conclusions

Treating an anxiety disorder often involves a multidisciplinary approach. This may mean seeing one or more of the following specialists:

  • Primary care physician.
  • A psychologist.
  • A psychiatrist.
  • A psychiatric nurse practitioner.
  • A support group.

Before you see your primary care provider, be prepared to describe the following:

  • Your symptoms.
  • The time of onset of symptoms.
  • Possible factors or situations that trigger them.

If you don't know which doctor to see when you are worried, talk to your general practitioner. If necessary, he or she will refer you to other specialists. The sooner you start treatment, the better the results will be.

If you want to learn more about managing anxiety and improving mental health, visit our website.

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