Anxiety — which specialty
Worry beyond what the situation calls for, hard to switch off, and affecting daily life.
Usually seen by
PsychiatryClinical psychology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Cardiology — to be excluded first if episodes come with chest pain
- Endocrinology — with weight loss, tremor or heat intolerance
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else — say this now, to a clinician or a support line, without waiting for an appointment
- A panic episode with chest pain for the first time
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- What the worry is about, and whether you can set it down
- How long, and how it affects work, sleep and eating
- Whether there are sudden episodes with a racing heart, breathlessness and fear of dying
- Whether you use alcohol, caffeine or anything else to feel easier
- Whether there is someone you can talk to
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- A record of episodes: date, time, what you were doing, how long it lasted
- A list of medicines, and your daily caffeine and alcohol
What a first visit usually involves
- Conversation and screening questionnaires
- Excluding physical causes
- A discussion of talking therapy and the other options