How do I go about getting an anxiety diagnosis?

[DemureRose]

I know you should go to a doctor but let me explain why I haven't. When I was little my pediatrician locked me in a room after I refused to pee in a cup when I had a bladder infection. Obviously at six years old peeing in a couple in front of a stranger is humiliating and because I had a bladder infection it was extremely painful. The doctor actually pushed my mom out of the room and made her listen to me cry while lecturing her on proper parenting. Since then I have hated doctors of any kind.

I guess my other fear is they will tell me that I don't have anxiety. Now I know, thats insane! Who would want anxiety? Here's the thing, if I don't have anxiety then what I'm feeling is in my control. I will feel alone all over again because I'd be stuck in slightly abnormal but normal enough to not be considered anxiety. That scares the crap out of me. I need to be able to tell myself that I have anxiety so that I know I'm not alone in my feelings.

It also makes it harder that I don't have any other doctor except my pediatrician (the one who locked me in a room, yeah we stayed with her. Thanks mom). Neither of my parents go to regular check ups. My mom just goes to a sleep specialist and my dad an ear doctor, that's it. As a family, doctors visits aren't common. If we have a problem we usually just go to a local walk-in clinic because it's A. faster and B. cheaper. So if I went to a doctor it would be someone completely new who I didn't know and who didn't know me.

Ok so theres my mini backstory on my dislike and difficulty with doctors now here are some questions:

~Do I have to have an anxiety diagnosis to get therapy for anxiety?

~If I do go to a doctor what are qualities I should look for?

~Do I have to try out some doctors in order to get the right one?

~Will it be a once and done scenario or is it like a monthly/yearly/weekly deal?

To anyone that replies thank you. If you don't then thank you for at least reading this far.

[jkl5500]

Go to a different doctor, tell him or her your situation, and let the doctor refer you to a therapist. The therapist will determine what disorders you may have , and then begin treatment for them. Don't let your experience with one ignorant doctor keep you from getting the help you need.

[Calm_mama]

Hi DemureRose,

~Do I have to have an anxiety diagnosis to get therapy for anxiety? Usually a doc will refer someone to a psychologist. There's a good reason for his- a good doc will take the time to listen to you carefully, do a thorough exam, perhaps some labs, and put the whole picture together to determine if you should have an Anxiety Disorder diagnosis. Or some variation of that (SAD- Social Anxiety Disorder, GAD- General Anxiety Disorder, etc) or perhaps he might conclude that there's something else going on. Psychologists usually want that visit/workup done for 2 reasons- 1) They want to make sure the doc looked for any underlying causes for anxiety or other psychological concerns. Some mental health issues have underlying causes. This is not terribly common, but it can happen. The psychologist's services are perhaps not helpful or not needed if, let's say, a patient's anxiety is the direct result of hyper or hypothyroidism for example. 2) The psychologist also wants to make sure you have at least some kind of working diagnosis for treatment so he/she has a place to start.

~If I do go to a doctor what are qualities I should look for? I'd check for reviews online and see if the doc's reviews meet your hopes/expectations! Or if you know anyone with anxiety and he/she really likes their doc, that's a good way to find a good fit.

~Do I have to try out some doctors in order to get the right one? Sometimes....

~Will it be a once and done scenario or is it like a monthly/yearly/weekly deal? Depends. If you're otherwise healthy, probably not often that you will need to visit doc. If the doc thinks a med is a good idea, might be a little more often.

Let us know how it goes? Wishing you all the best DR!

[doglover2019]

Hello!

You can receive therapy without having a diagnosis. Some people go to therapy just to talk about their daily life and stress. However, a therapist can help with a diagnosis and give you some methods to try and ease your anxiety.

You should look for a doctor that is willing to take the time and listen to you, ask you questions, and allow you to ask them questions. They should be taking an interest in your situation.

Not to push you away from finding a doctor but it took me 4 doctors to find the one that worked well with me. I do, however, suffer from more than just anxiety.

If you are prescribed a medication for your anxiety depending on what it is you will probably have to go for check ups to get refills on your medication on a regular schedule.

I wish you luck moving forward!

[IChoose]

Here is one way to start shopping for your new therapist : psychologytoday.com/us/ther...

I like sharing what once came out of therapy for me: "instill compassion for self, others and situations, no judging, no labeling." You're not looking for a label or a diagnosis, you are seeking compassion and healthy connection and beginning the empowered journey of self care. No two therapists are the same, and as people they too can change over time. Don't give up, seek and you shall find.

Things will get better.