Anxiety in Dubai, FAQ. CHMC provides the answers to the most common question about anxiety disorders and when to get help.
I feel anxious…
Question:
I live in Dubai. Since few weeks i feel anxiety. There is nothing in my life which could explain such feelings. My mother suffered from anxiety, and she is taking an antianxiety medication. I don’t want to get addicted to any medication. Where I can find a counsellor in Dubai?
Answer:
Psychotherapy is a highly effective treatment method. It could be used alone if your anxiety is not constantly present or is not very severe. In case of severe anxiety affecting your private and professional life, we would suggest suppressing the anxiety with medication, such as antidepressants, while doing in parallel the psychotherapy. It doesn’t mean that you must take the medication endlessly. In cases of severe anxiety such combined therapy method is the most effective strategy decreasing the total length of the treatment.
I feel anxiety while driving in Dubai…
Question:
I frequently feel anxious and get heart palpitation while driving in Dubai. In my home country the traffic is not so dense, so I don’t know, if this is “my Dubai traffic anxiety.” I must commute but I’m getting increasingly more scared driving a car. Is there a medication which can help me to get rid fast of the anxiety?
Answer:
The anxiety you describe is triggered by external circumstances (in your case is driving). It can be in deed the denser traffic, nevertheless the anxiety affects your social or professional performance. So, there is no other option as to start the treatment as soon as possible.
The first choice would be the treatment with medication. Such treatment is highly effective in the short and middle term. In most cases the right medication can suppress the symptoms completely. In the second step counselling should take place.
Combining medication and psychotherapy is the most effective treatment method. Simplifying the treatment strategy: medication allows to suppress/remove the symptoms and the counselling helps to remove the medication while keeping you still symptom free.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety arises as a natural reaction to stress or perceived threats, marked by sensations of fear, worry, or apprehension. While occasional bouts of anxiety are typical, consistent or overwhelming anxiety that disrupts daily functioning could signal an anxiety disorder.
What are the different types of anxiety?
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, and others. Each type of anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms and triggers.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Symptoms of anxiety can vary but may include excessive worrying, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and sleeplessness disturbances. Physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and gastrointestinal issues may also occur.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can result from a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, life experiences, and traumatic events. Certain medical conditions and substance use may also contribute to anxiety.
How is anxiety treated? What are the treatment options in Dubai?
Anxiety disorders are typically treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. The treatment can typically happen in the out-patient setting in one of the clinics in Dubai. The psychotherapy method of choice is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In more severe cases we recommend the use of medication. The treatment with medication, typically with antidepressants, last few months, is not addictive and can completely remove the anxiety restoring normal life quality.
Can anxiety cause chest pain?
Yes, anxiety can cause chest pain. When a person experiences anxiety, the body’s stress response is activated, leading to various physical symptoms, including muscle tension and increased heart rate. This tension can sometimes manifest as chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like tightness, pressure, or aching in the chest. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any other potential causes of chest pain and to receive appropriate management for anxiety-related symptoms.
Can anxiety be cured?
Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated with appropriate treatment. The majority of anxiety disorders can be cured without the necessity of further treatment, mosty by using a combined treatment: psychotherapy and medication. In some cases, a low dosage of medication might be used as a prophylaxis providing protection from relapse. By a very small percentage of patients the intensity and frequency of anxiety can be significantly reduced, however a continues anxiety treatment will be indicated.
I feel anxious without any reason. What to do?
Question:
I live in Dubai for five years. Few months ago, I started to feel anxious while experiencing tidiness in the chest. I didn’t find any reason for the anxiety. I thought, that I might have something on my lungs, that’s why I feel anxious. However, the internal medicine doctor didn’t find any problems on my lungs or heart. I think, I have anxiety. When I can get help in Dubai?
Answer:
If an organic problem such as asthma or some problems on your heart were excluded, then you probably have an anxiety disorder. In such situation it’s essential to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Our psychiatrist or psychologist can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Managing anxiety without medication?
Question:
I live in Dubai and suffer of anxiety in crowded places and while interacting with groups of people. I know that some medication, such as anti-anxiety medication, is prohibited. Can I get rid of my anxiety without using medication?
Answer:
Let’s first clarify our worries about using medication for treatment of anxiety in Dubai. Medication used for treatment of anxiety in Dubai is semi- or fully controller, and can be only prescribed by a psychiatrist.
A mild level of anxiety can be managed without medication through various therapeutic techniques such as psychotherapy, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications. However, in some cases, medication may be necessary for symptom control. In more severe cases of anxiety, the most effective treatment method involves combination of medication and psychotherapy.
What happens when I don’t treat my anxiety?
Untreated anxiety can lead to significant impairment in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and physical health. It may also increase the risk of developing other mental health conditions such as depression and substance abuse disorders. Seeking timely treatment can help prevent these long-term consequences.
What is the difference between panic attacks and constantly present anxiety?
While both panic attacks and generalized anxiety involve feelings of fear and discomfort, they differ in intensity and duration. Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear or panic that typically peak within minutes, accompanied by physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. The constantly present anxiety, caller generalized anxiety disorder, on the other hand, involves persistent feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease that may vary in intensity over time.