What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, danger or uncertainty. It evolved as an important protective mechanism to help humans escape danger.

In our modern day world it can easily become problematic when it is persistent, intense or interferes with your ability to live your everyday life.

Anxiety Symptoms

  • Restlessness or feeling on edge
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Palpitations
  • Excessive fear about what may happen in the future
  • Racing thoughts
  • Difficulty concentrating

Anxiety Disorders

When anxiety becomes a problem for someone they can develop an anxiety disorder. These can be caused by a variety of factors such as: genetics, stress, big life events and other medical conditions. They can also be influenced by personality traits.

Anxiety disorders require prompt assessment and treatment to prevent them getting worse. People with an anxiety disorder can also develop other mental health conditions like depression.

Anxiety disorders are more common in people who are neurodivergent. It is important to screen for underlying ADHD and ASD when someone presents with an anxiety problem.

There are different types of anxiety disorder and people can have one or more at the same time.

Types of Anxiety Disorder

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

OCD

Social Anxiety Disorder

PTSD

Panic Disorder

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, we can help.

We offer comprehensive psychiatric assessments where our psychiatrists will discuss your concerns, provide a diagnosis if appropriate, and create a bespoke plan, designed to give you the support you need.

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety Medication

One of the treatment options for anxiety disorders is medication. Our prescribing is always evidence-based and informed by national guidelines. The first line medication options for anxiety are usually SSRIs, which are also used to treat depression. Medication is not always necessary but we recommend it for moderate-severe illness.

Anxiety Therapy

Medication for anxiety can work well when combined with psychological therapies. CBT and EMDR are recommended by NICE for different types of anxiety disorder. We work with trusted professionals to provide a multidisciplinary approach to your treatment.

Patient Testimonials

I left feeling really reassured, clear and supported

This was my first time speaking with someone and I was very nervous. I had no idea what to expect but felt at ease very quickly and overall have only positive feelings towards my appointment.

Professional and empathetic

I had an excellent experience with Dr Pittock. I was apprehensive about the appointment, but she put me at ease and created a safe space. She was both professional and empathetic throughout and never made me feel rushed or judged. She gave me all the information I needed regarding medication so that I could make an informed decision.

I felt at ease very quickly

This was my first time speaking with someone and I was very nervous. I had no idea what to expect but felt at ease very quickly and overall have only positive feelings towards my appointment.

Incredibly understanding

Dr Pittock was incredibly understanding of my struggles with ADHD, and didn't make me feel ashamed in any way. She changed my medications to suit my lifestyle and sleep schedule, instead of just a one-size-fits-all program that I had previously been on.

I felt really comfortable

Dr Amy Martin is fantastic. I really felt comfortable about talking my personal issues with her. It is helping me a lot in this very delicate situation.

Very impressed

Very thorough in our hour together and the letter to the doctor was very detailed accurate and on point. I was very impressed.

Kind and detailed in her explanations

Dr Pittock is kind and detailed in her explanations. I feel very comfortable in reaching out to her and I'm happy to have her as my doctor.

My appointments are a very pleasant experience

Dr. Amy Martin really made me feel comfortable and safe to speak openly and honestly about how I feel. She has also showed lots of compassion and has made my appointments a very pleasant experience, considering the difficult conversations.

I felt listened to and understood

My first visit with Dr. Pittock was a 90-minute initial assessment. I was very apprehensive beforehand but she was able to put me at ease immediately and made me feel I could talk openly and be myself without fear of judgement. I found her communication style to be very effective – she made it easy for me to speak frankly and give a full account of my situation, and I felt listened to and understood when she give her assessment. I left the appointment feeling I had a way forward.

I'm so happy with my psychiatrist

I'm so happy I've Dr Martin as my psychiatrist. I feel seen, cared for and understood by a medical professional for the first time. Thank you so incredibly much.

Very compassionate and understanding

Amy was a pleasure to speak to, very compassionate and understanding making a difficult call that little bit easier. Very much appreciated.