Patient information from BMJ

Anxiety: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Mar 13, 2023

If you've been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, you may want to ask your doctor some of these questions.

What exactly does my diagnosis mean?
Why do I have anxiety disorder?
Can my anxiety be treated?
What are my options for treatment?
Will any of these treatments make me better?
What can treatment do for me?
Will I get side effects from my treatment?
How long will it be before I feel better?
Will I need treatment for the rest of my life?
What kind of health professional is best qualified to help me?
Can I have cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) instead of drugs?
If I take medicine for my anxiety will I become addicted?
Is there anything I can do to help myself?
I've had these feelings for a long time. Does this mean I'll always have them?
What will happen if I don't get treatment?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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