Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk |
Talking to Your Doctor
| Living With GAD | Resource Guide
Talking to Your Health Care Provider about Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
by Amy Scholten, MPH
You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor or health care provider about your personal risk factors and/or experience with generalized anxiety disorder. By talking openly and regularly with your health care provider, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your health care provider:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
About Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Tell your health care provider about your constant worry and tension, or any other signs of generalized anxiety disorder, such as aches and pains for no reason, or trouble sleeping.
- Tell your health care provider if these problems keep you from doing everyday things and living your life.
- Ask for a checkup to check for other illnesses.
- Ask your health care provider if he or she has helped other people with generalized anxiety disorder. Special training helps health care providers treat people with generalized anxiety disorder. If your health care provider doesn't have special training, ask for the name of a health care provider or counselor who does.
About Treatment Options
- What treatment options are available for generalized anxiety disorder?
- If your health care provider prescribes medicine, ask:
- How long will it take to work?
- What benefits can I expect?
- What side effects should I watch for?
- Can you recommend a counselor who treats people with generalized anxiety disorder?
- If you decide to try counseling, interview counselors and find one with whom you feel comfortable discussing your problems. You should ask the counselor about:
- His or her training and experience in treating anxiety disorders
- His or her basic approach to treatment
- The length of treatment
- The length and frequency of treatment sessions
- What health insurance is accepted
- Fee schedules and sliding scale fees to accompany various financial circumstances
About Lifestyle Changes
Ask your health care provider or counselor about lifestyle changes that could help you reduce your anxiety and stress symptoms. Examples may include:
- Diet
- Relaxation and stress management techniques
- Exercise
About Your Outlook
- Ask your health care provider or counselor about your chances of recovering from generalized anxiety disorder both with or without treatment.
- Ask about recurrence of generalized anxiety disorder and related conditions, and what you can do to prevent it.
SOURCES:
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
National Institute of Mental Health
Last reviewed November 2004 by Jeff Andrews, MD
All EBSCO Publishing consumer health and medical information found on this site is accredited by URAC. URAC's Health Web Site Accreditation Program requires compliance with 53 rigorous standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audits.
Previous | Next
�
