The most suitable specialists to diagnose and treat anxiety are:
1. Psychologist
The psychologist is the most suitable specialist to diagnose anxiety, as he is the professional responsible for evaluating, identifying and treating various mental, emotional and behavioral disorders.
Although he is not a doctor, the psychologist can initiate treatment and counseling in cases of anxiety, through psychotherapy, which can be individual or in a group. Psychotherapy aims to help people with anxiety develop strategies to deal with emotions and feelings in a positive way.
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Although you can treat with psychotherapy, the psychologist does not advise the use of medication, which may be necessary in more intense cases or when psychotherapy alone does not produce the expected results. In these cases, the psychologist should advise a consultation with a psychiatrist.
2. Psychiatrist
The psychiatrist is the doctor responsible for treating anxiety with medication, including the use of anxiolytics or antidepressants. This specialist can also diagnose anxiety and even order tests to rule out other possible causes.
Often, the treatment of anxiety is carried out in collaboration between the psychiatrist and the psychologist.
3. General practitioner
Although he is not the best doctor to identify anxiety, the general practitioner can also identify the first signs of anxiety and refer you to a consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, according to the identified needs.
When to make an appointment
It is advisable to make an appointment when there are any symptoms that may indicate anxiety or some type of psychological disorder, such as:
- Frequent feeling of nervousness or fear;
- Excessive sadness;
- Difficulty relaxing;
- Recurrent negative thoughts;
- Easy irritability;
- Difficulty sleeping.
Often, people with anxiety may also experience physical symptoms such as unexplained tiredness, nausea, shortness of breath, chest pain and diarrhea, for example.
