How do I approach my GP about anxiety?

Write down what you want to say in advance, and take your notes in with you. Give yourself enough time to get to your appointment, so that you don't feel rushed or stressed. If you're feeling nervous, let your doctor know. Think about taking someone with you to support you, like a close friend or family member.

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Can you call your GP for anxiety?

If you've noticed changes to how you think and feel that concern you, talk to your GP about them. There might be an obvious cause for your feelings – like bereavement or work stress – or you might not know why you feel the way you do. It's ok to seek help either way.

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Can a GP diagnose and treat anxiety?

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.

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What do you say to a GP to get antidepressants?

Tell your doctor that you haven't been feeling like yourself and you believe that you might be depressed. This will open the door for your doctor to get you the help that you need. The following are some examples of what you might say: "I've been feeling extremely low, and I think I may be depressed."

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Can I just ask my GP for antidepressants?

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.

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Finding The Words: How to talk to your GP about your Mental health | Dr. Lisa Lawless

25 related questions found

Can GP prescribe anxiety medication?

There's good news: Your everyday family doctor, otherwise known as a general practitioner (GP) has the authority to prescribe anxiety medication.

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Should I see my GP if I have anxiety?

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. being irritable.

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What are 5 symptoms of anxiety?

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
  • Having an increased heart rate.
  • Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating.
  • Trembling.
  • Feeling weak or tired.
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.

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How do I get diagnosed with anxiety in Australia?

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.

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What happens when you see GP for anxiety?

In your appointment your doctor will probably make an initial assessment by asking questions about: your mood, thoughts and behaviours – sometimes by using questionnaires or forms which measure depression and anxiety. your lifestyle and any recent events in your life that might be affecting your wellbeing.

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What triggers anxiety?

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.

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How do you explain anxiety?

Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations.

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How do I tell my doctor I need anxiety medication?

How to Ask Your Doctor for Anxiety Medication. The first step in getting anxiety medication is meeting with your provider, whether that be your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. Talk to them about your symptoms in depth, and discuss what options could be best for you.

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Is anxiety a form of mental illness?

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.

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What are the biggest signs of anxiety?

These can include:
  • 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.

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What are 3 physical signs of anxiety?

GAD can also have a number of physical symptoms, including:
  • dizziness.
  • tiredness.
  • a noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
  • muscle aches and tension.
  • trembling or shaking.
  • dry mouth.
  • excessive sweating.
  • shortness of breath.

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What are 4 major anxiety disorders?

The five major types of anxiety disorders are:
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder. ...
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ...
  • Panic Disorder. ...
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
  • Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

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Can blood tests show anxiety?

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.

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What Behaviours are associated with anxiety?

Behavioral symptoms:
  • Restlessness and agitation.
  • Inability to sit still and remain calm.
  • Social withdrawal and isolation.
  • Agoraphobia.
  • Inability to properly meet responsibilities at home, work, or school.
  • Irritability.
  • Exaggerated startle reflex.
  • Decreased ability to perform normal activities of daily life.

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Can a GP diagnose anxiety in Australia?

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.

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What do Australian doctors prescribe for anxiety?

SSRIs manage the brain's levels of serotonin, which is a chemical that regulates anxiety, happiness and mood. SSRIs are among the most frequently sold drugs in Australia.

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What is best tablet for anxiety?

The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

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How do I tell my doctor I want antidepressants?

The most straightforward way to get antidepressants is to schedule a visit with your primary care physician (PCP) or mental health prescriber. During the appointment, let them know: What symptoms you are experiencing. The presentation and impact of the symptoms.

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Do antidepressants make you gain weight?

Weight gain is a possible side effect of nearly all antidepressants. However, each person responds to antidepressants differently. Some people gain weight when taking a certain antidepressant, while others don't.

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