Anxiety disorder is an emotional condition characterised by excessive fear, worry, tension and feeling of impending doom. In chronic cases it can lead to symptoms suggestive of sympathetic overdrive such as tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension etc. Anxiety could also be a manifestation of underlying mental health disorder or underlying health conditions and a thorough assessment and investigations are needed for accurate diagnosis.
Main treatments:
- Rule out treatable underlying medical conditions leading to anxiety
- Psychological input before and during medications.
Supportive medications (along with psychological input):
- Tab. Nexito 5 (Escitalopram 5 mg) – half tablet (2.5 mg) at night. Gradually increase till 20 mg at night.
General advice:
- Provide compassionate assurance and support to the patient and family.
- Advice mindfulness techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Advice patient to engage in enjoyable activities which will give them satisfaction.
- Stop usage of tobacco, alcohol, or any other addictions.
Investigations:
These are needed to rule out underlying medical conditions as per clinical presentation.
Referral:
Consider referring patient to clinical psychologist or psychiatrist if patient fails to respond or presents with additional mental health related complications.