Stress and anxiety

• You are unable to work or function properly at home because of anxiety.
• You do not know the source or cause of your anxiety.
• You have a sudden feeling of panic.
• You have an uncontrollable fear -- for example, of getting infected and sick if you are out, or a fear of heights.
• You repeat an action over and over again, like constantly washing your hands.
• You have an intolerance to heat, weight loss despite a good appetite, lump or swelling in the front of your neck, or protruding eyes. Your thyroid may be overactive.
• Your anxiety is elicited by the memory of a traumatic event.
• You have tried self care for several weeks without success or you feel that your anxiety will not resolve without professional help.

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking can cause anxiety as a side effect. Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without your provider's instructions.

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, paying close attention to your pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.

To help better understand your anxiety, stress, or tension, your doctor may ask the following:

• When did your feelings of stress, tension, or anxiety begin? Do you attribute the feelings to anything in particular like an event in your life or a circumstance that scares you?
• Do you have physical symptoms along with your feelings of anxiety? What are they?
• Does anything make your anxiety better?
• Does anything make your anxiety worse?
• What medications are you taking?

Diagnostic tests may include blood tests (CBC, thyroid function tests) as well as an electrocardiogram (ECG).

If the anxiety is not accompanied by any worrisome physical signs and symptoms, a referral to a mental health care professional may be recommended for appropriate treatment.

Psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to significantly decrease anxiety. In some cases, medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants may be appropriate.