HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Anxiety
Preparing For Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:
- What is your major symptom?
- How long have you had your symptoms? Do they come and go, or are they always present?
- What triggers the onset of your symptoms?
- What makes your symptoms better or worse?
- Do you have other symptoms
that may be related to your major symptom? These other symptoms may include:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Numbness or weakness.
- Excessive sweating.
- Feeling that you are not able to get enough air (air hunger).
- Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge.
- Feeling depressed.
- Have you ever had a similar problem in the past? If so, how was it treated?
- Has anyone else in your family ever been diagnosed with an Reference anxiety disorder Opens New Window, depression, or another mental illness?
- Has anyone in your family committed suicide or tried to commit suicide?
- What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
- What prescription or nonprescription medicines are you currently using?
- What herbal supplements are you taking?
- Are you using alcohol or illegal drugs, such as marijuana or cocaine, to manage your symptoms?
- Do you smoke or use other tobacco products?
- Do you have any Reference health risks?
While waiting for your appointment, it may be helpful to keep
a
diary of your symptoms 
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Reference David Messenger, MD |
|
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
