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.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you can check in with your GP. Most Australian GPs are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression. They can make a diagnosis of your condition and also check for any physical health problems or medications that may be making your symptoms worse.
If your anxiety symptoms are affecting your everyday life, talk to a doctor or a mental healthcare professional. Getting professional help can support you in managing anxiety and reduce its effects on your life and wellbeing. It might help you to write down your symptoms in the time leading up to your appointment.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy).
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.
By examining the RNA biomarkers in their blood, researchers could identify a participant's current state of anxiety and match them with medications and nutraceuticals, showing how effective different options could be for them based on their biology.
One thing that can make diagnosing anxiety somewhat difficult is that it shares symptoms with several other physical and mental health conditions. To be sure that your symptoms are caused by anxiety and not something else, a health care professional will first rule out other possibilities, including: Asthma.
Seeing a Psychologist
If anxiety is affecting your day-to-day life, a psychologist may be able to help. Anxiety may also be a symptom of other mental health issues, so it is worthwhile seeking support if you are experiencing anxiety.
There's good news: Your everyday family doctor, otherwise known as a general practitioner (GP) has the authority to prescribe anxiety medication.
If you feel you are struggling with your mental wellbeing, the first step to support is usually to visit your GP.
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.
For common problems such as depression and anxiety, your GP may be able to give you a diagnosis after one or two appointments. For less common problems you'll need to be referred to a mental health specialist (such as a psychiatrist), and they may want to see you over a longer period of time before making a diagnosis.
Anxiety disorders (such as Social Phobia) are the most common type of disorder, affecting 1 in 6 (17%, or 3.3 million) Australians, followed by Affective disorders (such as Depressive Episode) (8%), and Substance Use disorders (such as Alcohol Dependence) (3.
The anxiety puzzle
Psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressants, but the vast majority (86 per cent) in Australia are prescribed and managed by GPs.
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.
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).
Untreated anxiety can result in changes to the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. This impaired functioning may increase the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and dementia.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of mental disorders and affect nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives. But anxiety disorders are treatable and a number of effective treatments are available. Treatment helps most people lead normal productive lives.
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.
There are several symptoms that could be mistaken for anxiety. If your blood sugar drops too low, it can cause you to sweat and feel shaky, which may be confused with anxiety. If your thyroid gland is overactive, you can sweat excessively and feel restless and nervous.
Emotional symptoms of test anxiety can include depression, low self-esteem, anger, and a feeling of hopelessness.