How does the DR diagnose anxiety?

[Ashley0323]

I am just curious. I know I have struggled with anxiety since I was a young teen and still do to this day. It not only effects me mentally, but its taking over my normal day to day life. How does a doctor test for this? Do they even run tests for this ? Or do they just go off your word? 

 

[Azelma]

At least where I live, they go by your word. For me it was easier to get anxiety medication because my therapist sort of recommended it (because she had obviously seen me in different stages of anxiety). You just go and tell your doctor what you think is wrong with you, they'll probably ask some questions and then decide how to deal with your situation. There might be some questionnaires to fill, also.

 

[HappyKoi]

I have a little experience in this field.  There are actually criteria that need to be met to diagnose any mental illness, and these are laid out in the DSM-IVTR.  You might be able to find this book in the reference section of your library, and it's huge.  It gets revised all the time, so they are pretty up to date.  For anxiety disorders, you have to meet a specific number of specific criteria, and those are spelled out clearly.  Sometimes you will also be given a test, like the MMPI, that has you answer a very broad series of questions.  They do also go by your reported symptoms, just like a doctor would, and what they observe about your behavior.  For children, they rely on observations from parents, teachers, day care workers, and other adults that interact with the child.  They might also observe the child at play or have them tell a story about a picture to get some insight into their feelings.  It's a pretty complex process, and more scientific than most people realize. 

 

[kgord]

I think it is mostly self report. A doctor might also refer to the PDR or Physicians Desk Reference if there is any confusion about the diagnosis, or what category or type of anxiety disorder you have. I also have a mental health background and professionals do also use the DSM-IVTR which I am not so sure has not been updated at this point, they go through and update every so often.

 

[CT422]

They usually ask you questions and see if you fit a certain number of criteria. I filled out a questionnaire, too. I haven't gotten any medication or anything, so I'm not sure about that process.

 

[lexinonomous]

They usually ask you questions and see if you fit a certain number of criteria. I filled out a questionnaire, too. I haven't gotten any medication or anything, so I'm not sure about that process.

That seems fairly simple. I have never been diagnosed, but I'd imagine it would be a lengthy process. I suppose that people experiencing anxiety is fairly common, so it's easy to rush through the motions. After doing the survey, did they go through any sort of processing to truly determine? I just find it insane that a simple questionnaire can determine your illness.

 

[CT422]

That seems fairly simple. I have never been diagnosed, but I'd imagine it would be a lengthy process. I suppose that people experiencing anxiety is fairly common, so it's easy to rush through the motions. After doing the survey, did they go through any sort of processing to truly determine? I just find it insane that a simple questionnaire can determine your illness.

They also read your body language, and some of the questions they ask are out of the DSM. The questions are about your symptoms and how they affect your every day life. Once they have a basic idea of what your problem might be, they go from there.

 

[Peachdejour]

Actually, Anxiety disorders are now diagnosed by the DSM-5 and correspond to the ICD-10 codes that are used for managed care. There are more generally accepted diagnoses in the ICD-10 codes that insurance companies will accept for treatment than what was included in the DSM-5 though. For example, there will soon be an ICD-10 code for the treatment of Complex PTSD where the DSM-5 only has PTSD. Overall, a doctor cannot go "OH! Sounds like anxiety." Your symptoms have to meet a set of criteria and need to be interfering with you life in a negative fashion.

 

[Concernedgal]

Well in my case. My doctor actually ruled out other conditions. I was checked for thyroid disorders, heart conditions. Well basically I was given a routine exam first. Then and only then did my doctor consider anxiety.

 

[Alex]

The 'test' will vary from country to country, but people will experience anxiety at some point, but it's when it affects the day to day living that the doctor can intervene. Many can tell from the answers you give to questions, and also how you answer them, but often it's finding a trigger. Once we know what that trigger is we can figure it out and sort out the issue ourselves.

 

[janemariesayed]

Well in my case. My doctor actually ruled out other conditions. I was checked for thyroid disorders, heart conditions. Well basically I was given a routine exam first. Then and only then did my doctor consider anxiety.

My Doctor took a blood test for me too! He checked my thyroid and B12 as well as other things and then diagnosed me as having mixed anxiety and depression. He listened to what I had to say and so basically went on my word. I think though, that he would definitely be able to tell if I was putting it on.

I gave him a quick A - Z on my troubles and he told me that the only way for me to get any better is to have weekly, one on one therapy with a specialist in the right field. I'm glad I went to see him as I'm now looking forward to healing, finally.

 

[Concernedgal]

My Doctor took a blood test for me too! He checked my thyroid and B12 as well as other things and then diagnosed me as having mixed anxiety and depression. He listened to what I had to say and so basically went on my word. I think though, that he would definitely be able to tell if I was putting it on.

I gave him a quick A - Z on my troubles and he told me that the only way for me to get any better is to have weekly, one on one therapy with a specialist in the right field. I'm glad I went to see him as I'm now looking forward to healing, finally.

I'm glad to hear that. I've been seeing a specialist for almost a year now. It changed my life. If only they can get it together with my anti depressants. Lol

 

[janemariesayed]

Well I think I may have had a bit of bad news although I am trying to think positive about it. My Doc told me that he was going to get me a specialist counsellor who could deal with incest and child abuse specifically. All he has done though is send me a letter giving me a list. Two on the list are from a charity that only gives 45 minutes a month and they just send you home with a bit of paper. I'm hoping one of the other two on the list will do weekly therapy or it's back to the Doc for me!