Only medical doctors, including psychiatrists and GPs, can prescribe and manage medications for mental health conditions. However, not all mental health conditions may require medication and your psychiatrist or GP will know which medication best suits your needs if required.
If a GP concludes that medication would help, they can prescribe some medications directly, or give a referral to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists often prescribe antidepressants, but the vast majority (86 per cent) in Australia are prescribed and managed by GPs.
The best approach is to be direct, explain your anxiety symptoms, what triggers your anxiety disorder and why you think medication may help reduce symptoms. Remember the doctor is there to help you. Don't waste time being vague about what you're seeking help for.
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.
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.
Your GP can prescribe a variety of different types of medication to treat GAD. Some medication is designed to be taken on a short-term basis, while others are prescribed for longer periods. Depending on your symptoms, you may need medication to treat your physical symptoms, as well as your psychological ones.
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.
See your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can be difficult to diagnose. In some cases, it can also be difficult to distinguish from other mental health conditions, such as depression.
Anxiety is a serious condition that makes it hard for a person to cope with daily life. 3 million Australians are living with anxiety. Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. 1 in 4 people will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.
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.
If you have severe anxiety that's interfering with your ability to function, medication may be helpful—especially as a short-term treatment. However, many people use anti-anxiety medication when therapy, exercise, or other self-help strategies would work just as well or better, minus the drawbacks.
Your GP can do a basic assessment of your mental health and may refer you to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist depending on your needs. A mental health assessment usually involves a mix of questions and a physical examination.
But researchers don't know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. They suspect a combination of factors plays a role: Chemical imbalance: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition includes symptoms of intense anxiety or panic that are directly caused by a physical health problem. Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about activities or events — even ordinary, routine issues.
You may start by seeing your primary care provider to find out if your anxiety could be related to your physical health. He or she can check for signs of an underlying medical condition that may need treatment. However, you may need to see a mental health specialist if you have severe anxiety.
Speaking to your GP or practice nurse is the first step to getting help. If you're struggling with your mental health, you might be offered various types of treatment, or signposted on to other services. Typically, you could be offered, or given information about: Medication such as antidepressants.
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.
Serotonin Serotonin may be the most well-known neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin are linked to both anxiety and depression. Like most neurotransmitters, low or unbalanced serotonin levels can occur genetically/naturally, and can also be created by your emotions.
feeling light-headed or dizzy. pins and needles. feeling restless or unable to sit still. headaches, backache or other aches and pains.
The onset of anti-anxiety medications depends on the medication class. Antidepressants may take 1 to 2 weeks to start working, but it can take up to 8 weeks to see their full effects. This time frame can vary, and it may take longer in some cases. Benzodiazepines work quickly, often within hours or less.
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.
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry.