diagnose Anxiety?

Question

How do doctor's diagnose Anxiety Attacks??

Other then talking .. what phyical actions do they take if any?

Answer 1

Unless an anxiety attack is actually witnessed by the doctor, diagnosis is based mainly on how the patient describes the incidence and frequency of the incidences. Initially in most cases, tests are run to be sure that there is not an underlying medical basis for the anxiety attack.

If physical symptoms are not found to explain the anxiety attack, then psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to diagnose the person. Diagnosis is based on reported intensity and duration of symptoms, frequency of attacks and the doctor's observation of the patient's attitude and behavior. The doctor then determines if the symptoms and degree of dysfunction suggest panic disorder.

If it is determined that that patient has a panic disorder/anxiety attacks, then combination treatment is used. This involves psychotherapy (counseling), antidepressants and therapy to learn to recognize the attack triggers and how to cope with them (cognitive behavioral therapy).

Fortunately, anxiety attacks can be successfully treated.