Appointments
You do not have to wait for a provider to ask about your mental health. Start the conversation, and bring a few things that make the visit more useful.
Take the self-check
Answer the seven-question Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and print your score to bring along. Nothing is stored or sent.
Keep a week of notes
Track worry, panic attacks, sleep, caffeine, medicines, missed doses, and side effects, and write down questions as they come up.
On a medicine that is not helping?
How long to give it, how progress is checked, next options, and why not to stop suddenly.
First-visit checklist
What to bring
A short list of your questions
Visits are short. Write down what you most want to discuss so the important things come first.
National Institute of Mental Health · Tips for talking with a health care provider
Every medicine, supplement, and caffeine source
Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Caffeine, other substances, and some medicines can make anxiety worse.
Notes on your symptoms
When they started, how long they have lasted, how often they happen, and how they affect your life. Note any panic attacks and what you have started avoiding.
National Institute of Mental Health · Generalized anxiety disorder
Family mental health history
Some mental illnesses run in families. Knowing this can help the provider judge risk and watch for early signs.
National Institute of Mental Health · Tips for talking with a health care provider
Recent stress or life changes
Symptoms are often worse during times of stress, such as an illness, exams, or a family conflict. Share what has been going on.
National Institute of Mental Health · Generalized anxiety disorder
A friend or relative, if you want one
A companion can offer support, take notes, and help you remember what was discussed.
National Institute of Mental Health · Tips for talking with a health care provider
Roadmap
From first visit to staying well
Step 1
Start with a primary care provider
If you do not know where to start, a primary care provider can listen, check for other causes, and refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker.
- Bring up anxiety even if the provider does not ask first.
- Describe all your symptoms honestly, including physical ones and any thoughts of death or suicide.
- Ask what could be causing the symptoms and whether you need a referral.
National Institute of Mental Health · Tips for talking with a health care provider
Step 2
Evaluation and diagnosis
The provider asks about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam and lab tests can make sure a different health problem is not the cause. If not, a psychological evaluation follows.
- Expect questions about when symptoms began, how long they last, and how they affect your life.
- Mention caffeine, alcohol, other substances, and every medicine you take.
- Some physical conditions, such as thyroid problems or an irregular heartbeat, are linked to anxiety.
Step 3
Choosing a treatment plan
Treatment usually means psychotherapy, medicine, or both, chosen around your needs, preferences, and health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most studied therapy for anxiety.
- Ask what each option involves, how long it takes, and what side effects to watch for.
- Antidepressants used for anxiety can take several weeks to start working; buspirone takes 3 to 4 weeks.
- If an option feels wrong for you, say so and ask about others.
National Institute of Mental Health · Generalized anxiety disorder
Step 4
Follow-up and adjusting
You may need to try more than one medicine before you find the right one. Keep appointments, report side effects, and do not stop a medicine without talking to the prescriber.
- Watch closely in the first weeks of a new antidepressant or dose change, especially for anyone under 25.
- If one approach has not helped enough, ask about adding or switching to the other.
- Ask about the risks of benzodiazepines before starting one, and never stop one suddenly.
Step 5
Staying well
With the right treatment and support, people with anxiety disorders can manage their anxiety and improve their quality of life. Healthy habits help alongside care.
- Cut back on caffeine and get enough sleep.
- Try stress management such as exercise, mindfulness, or meditation.
- Consider a support group, in person or online, as an addition to treatment.
National Institute of Mental Health · Generalized anxiety disorder
Questions to ask about a medicine
- What benefit should I expect, and how long until it takes full effect?
- What side effects are common, and what should I do if I get them?
- Could it make me feel more anxious, agitated, or sleepless at first?
- Does it interact with my other medicines, alcohol, or supplements?
- Is there a withdrawal effect if I miss doses or stop?
- How long should I keep taking it after I feel better?
Questions to ask a therapist
- What are your credentials and experience? Do you have a specialty?
- What approach will you use, and what is the evidence behind it?
- Do you have experience with my age group and the problem I am facing? If the patient is a child, how will parents be involved?
Next step