Anxiety: Symptoms, Treatment & UK Online Doctor Support
Educational information — not medical advice.
This article was prepared by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and reviewed for factual accuracy against UK clinical guidance (NHS and NICE). It is not written by a doctor and does not replace personal medical advice. For symptoms specific to you, book an online doctor consultation.
Key points
- Anxiety affects roughly 1 in 6 UK adults at any time and is highly treatable.
- First-line treatment is talking therapy (CBT) — available free via NHS Talking Therapies.
- Medication (usually SSRIs like sertraline) is offered when symptoms are moderate-to-severe.
- Lifestyle (sleep, exercise, caffeine, alcohol) makes a real difference.
- An online GP can assess severity, prescribe and signpost to therapy quickly.
What does anxiety feel like?
Anxiety is normal in stressful situations. It becomes a disorder when worry is persistent, hard to control and interferes with daily life. Common features include constant worry, restlessness, irritability, poor concentration, muscle tension, sleep problems and physical symptoms like racing heart, breathlessness, dizziness or stomach upset.
Types
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) — chronic worry about many things.
- Panic disorder — sudden intense panic attacks.
- Social anxiety — fear of social situations.
- Health anxiety — preoccupation with illness.
- Phobias — specific fears.
Self-care that works
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol.
- Daily movement — even 20 minutes' walking lowers anxiety.
- Regular sleep routine.
- Breathing exercises and grounding techniques.
- Apps: NHS-recommended self-help (e.g. Be Mindful, Catch It).
Talking therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is first-line and well-evidenced for anxiety. NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) offers free CBT — you can self-refer. Private therapy (BACP/BABCP-registered therapists) gives faster access.
Medication
- SSRIs: sertraline, escitalopram — first-line; take 4–6 weeks for full effect.
- SNRIs: venlafaxine, duloxetine — alternatives.
- Pregabalin: for severe GAD where SSRIs unsuitable.
- Benzodiazepines are avoided beyond very short courses due to dependence.
- Beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol) help physical symptoms of performance anxiety.
When an online doctor can help
An online GP can assess severity using validated tools (GAD-7), prescribe medication, refer to therapy and provide sick notes for time off work where needed.
Red flags — when to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience any of the following:
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide — call 999 or Samaritans 116 123
- Panic attacks with chest pain mimicking heart attack — get assessed
- Severe anxiety with weight loss, palpitations and tremor (possible thyroid)
Frequently asked questions
Common questions UK patients ask about generalised anxiety disorder.
How an online doctor can help
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This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice from a qualified doctor. Content is reviewed against UK NHS and NICE guidance by the OnlineDoctor24 editorial team and is not authored by a medical doctor. If your symptoms worsen or you are unsure, please book a consultation with a GMC-registered GP.
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