A General Practitioner (GP) can be a key resource in helping manage anxiety. While they may not provide specialised mental health therapy (like a psychologist or psychiatrist), they can offer several forms of support and guidance which we will delve into.
Initial Assessment & Diagnosis
- Identifying Symptoms: A GP can assess whether you are experiencing anxiety by discussing your symptoms, including physical ones (e.g., heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness) and psychological ones (e.g., excessive worry, racing thoughts).
- Diagnosis: They can determine if you have an anxiety disorder or if other conditions (such as depression, thyroid issues, or heart problems) might be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment Recommendations
- Referrals to Specialists: If necessary, your GP can refer you to a mental health professional (like a psychologist, counsellor, or psychiatrist) for specialised therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or prescribe medications if appropriate.
- Medication: If anxiety is moderate to severe, your GP may prescribe anti-anxiety medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They can monitor your response to these medications and adjust the treatment as needed.
Developing a Treatment Plan
- Your GP can help you develop a treatment plan that may include both psychological and physical strategies to manage anxiety. This could include relaxation techniques, exercise, and lifestyle changes in addition to medication or therapy.
Lifestyle Advice
- Stress Management: GPs often provide advice on stress management techniques, including mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety. GPs can advise on suitable forms of exercise to improve both physical and mental well-being.
- Sleep & Nutrition: Poor sleep or unhealthy eating habits can exacerbate anxiety. Your GP can guide you on improving your sleep hygiene and eating a balanced diet to support mental health.
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
- Follow-Up Appointments: A GP can track your progress over time, monitor any side effects of medication, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
- Addressing Physical Health: Since anxiety can sometimes cause physical symptoms (like headaches, stomach problems, or chronic pain), your GP can investigate any underlying health concerns contributing to your anxiety.
Creating a Safe Space
- A GP can provide a safe, non-judgmental environment to talk about your concerns. They are trained to listen, validate your feelings, and offer advice and resources to help manage your anxiety.
Coordination with Other Healthcare Providers
- If you need a multidisciplinary approach (e.g., a combination of therapy, medication, and physical health interventions), your GP can coordinate care with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive treatment.
If you are experiencing anxiety, it's a good idea to schedule a visit with a GP to discuss your symptoms and explore possible treatment options tailored to your needs. Dr Kedia works at Pinehill Hospital where they have GPs with extended appointments which can be helpful to provide the space and time to fully explore anxiety, allowing for a relaxed experience for the patient to open up and find a solution to their problem.