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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How do I talk to my doctor about anxiety?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Mental Health
    I’ve been having problems with anxiety and I really want to get help and a proper diagnosis, but I don’t know how to talk to my doctor about it. I just don’t know how to bring it up and I don’t want to sound silly or like I’m self diagnosing. I also really want to get across how much this is affecting me; I’m worried about being dismissed. Could someone please give me advice?
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    Dr Joanne Dennison

    Counselling Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    Doctors frequently see patients who report experiencing anxiety at uncomfortable levels. With anxiety being a recognized disorder, your doctor is trained to assist you to work toward resolving it. He/She may suggest medication and/or seeing a psychologist to alleviating it. You should be aware of the side effects of taking medication for it, and know that while medication can prevent patients from experiencing it, it does not treat the cause. In other words, when you cease taking medication, the anxiety is likely to return. A psychologist may assist you to identify and address the cause of the problem.
    There is nothing wrong with you knowing the name of what you're experiencing, and when you use it when talking to your GP (for example, “I wanted to see you to discuss the treatment options for the anxiety I am experiencing”). People experience anxiety to different intensities, and so you could let your GP know what specific symptoms you experience, to what extent, and how it affects your ability to engage in tasks.
    Your GP may write you a referral for a psychologist - he can suggest one, or you can give the details of one that you would like to see. It is not a requirement to have a referral to see a psychologist, however, having one will enable you to receive Medicare rebates.
    Well done for being willing to address the problem. Good luck with your treatment.

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  • Darren Stops

    Counsellor, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

    For assistance with issues including: anxiety & depression, stress, coping & adjustment, personality & relationships sleep & health issues, separation, loss and trauma, post traumatic … View Profile

    All good advice above.  Most GP's seem to use the Kessler screening tool, or K-10, which is also freely available on the web. This might be a useful thing to use as a discussion starter with your GP.  (eg; http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/5.K10withinstructions.pdf)

    Of course, some professionals are wary of anyone with an "internet self-diagnosis", but it is also a basis for the health professional to discuss what symptoms you are experiencing, especially if it is hard for you to bring it up. All you have to do is say "I think I have a lot of anxiety". Just remember that your GP is highly trained to ask you the right questions to make a diagnosis.

    If you are worrried about it "being dismissed" you will need to emphasise the impact it is having on your daily functioning.  If you still don't feel listened to, try another GP for a second opinion.

    Most anxiety disorders are easily treatable with evidence-based therapies, sometimes with medication initially, but often without the need for medication.

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