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Anxiety disorders are one of the top reasons for consultation in general medicine, accounting for 10% of all consultations. They are not unique to any age group, and are often triggered by major life changing events such as the birth of a child, exams, professional or family problems, bereavement, moving house, and illness.
Stress is both a cause of anxiety, and an alert that you are experiencing anxiety, that the body sends during difficult situations; hence the stress you are experiencing should not be trivialised.
The typical symptoms of an anxiety disorder can include, but are not limited to, agitation, excessive fear, nervousness, sleepless nights, loss of appetite, concentration problems, and fear of death. On the other hand, the medical picture could also be dominated by physical symptoms such as: palpitations, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, abdominal pain, or widespread pain.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately, to avoid a deterioration of your condition. Patients should not hesitate seeking treatment as the practitioner will listen attentively to the patient, without holding any judgements. During the consultation, the practitioner may decide to start with a biological screening to eliminate any other medical condition that could explain the stress or the symptoms, for example, a thyroid function test.
If the disorder is not caused by an existing ailment, a few follow-up sessions with a qualified GP may be enough to determine the triggering event, to reassure the patient and allow them to successfully overcome the symptoms. In some cases, where the symptoms experienced by the patient are intense, the prescription of an anxiolytic or an antidepressant may be helpful to allow the patient pull through the tough period.
More natural or alternative techniques can also be combined with a medical follow-up. For example, sports play a major anxiolytic role by enabling the release of endorphins; breathing techniques inspired from meditation routines can also help to effectively relieve tensions and stress. In addition, it is advisable to avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee, or other caffeinated drinks after 4pm, and for the patient to develop a comfortable routine by going to bed at the same time every day, and to adopt a balanced diet.
If the anxiety disorder persists and when everything else has failed, the GP will refer the patient to a psychotherapist.
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