Why Patients Choose a Private GP for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in the UK, yet accessing timely NHS treatment can be difficult. Waiting lists for talking therapies through IAPT services routinely exceed six to eight weeks, and many patients find that a ten minute NHS GP appointment does not provide the space needed to discuss what they are experiencing. A private GP consultation offers a longer appointment, same day availability, and the ability to start treatment immediately.
What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Anxiety manifests differently in every patient. Common experiences include persistent worry or rumination that is difficult to control, racing thoughts that loop repetitively, difficulty concentrating or feeling detached during conversations, early morning waking, particularly at 4am or 5am, physical symptoms such as a racing heart, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, a feeling of being a burden to family members, and masking emotions to appear normal while struggling internally.
For many patients, the anxiety is triggered by a specific event, sometimes years in the past, which continues to produce intrusive thoughts. Small triggers such as smells, sounds, or places can unexpectedly bring the anxiety flooding back. This pattern is characteristic of both generalised anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress, and distinguishing between them is an important part of the clinical assessment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
At Clinique Alpa, your first anxiety consultation lasts approximately 30 minutes. We begin by understanding your current symptoms, when they started, and how they are affecting your daily life, work, and relationships. We take a full medical history including any previous mental health treatment, current medications and supplements, and family circumstances.
We also perform basic physical observations including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturations. This is important because some physical conditions, such as thyroid disease, anaemia, and cardiac arrhythmias, can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Treatment Options
Medication: For moderate to severe anxiety, an SSRI antidepressant such as sertraline is the first line pharmacological treatment. It is safe, well established, and effective for both generalised anxiety and obsessive compulsive features. The dose is started at 50mg once daily, with the option to increase after four to six weeks if needed. We prescribe privately and can issue a two month supply at your first visit.
It is important to understand that SSRIs take four to six weeks to reach their full effect, and there may be an initial adjustment period where symptoms feel temporarily worse before they improve. This is normal and expected.
Talking therapies: We recommend structured psychological therapy alongside medication. Online CBT programmes such as Mood Gym provide evidence based self help tools that you can use immediately while waiting for formal therapy. We provide links and resources after your consultation.
Lifestyle measures: Regular exercise, consistent sleep patterns, and reducing caffeine and alcohol intake all have measurable effects on anxiety levels. We discuss these as part of the treatment plan, not as alternatives to medication, but as important complementary strategies.
How Long Will I Need Treatment?
Current guidelines recommend a minimum of six to twelve months of antidepressant treatment for a first episode of anxiety. Stopping too early significantly increases the risk of relapse. We schedule a follow up appointment at two months to review your progress, adjust the dose if needed, and plan the long term approach. Follow up can be face to face or virtual, whichever you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an antidepressant change my personality?
No. SSRIs reduce the intensity of anxiety and allow your brain’s natural emotional regulation to function more effectively. Patients typically report feeling more like themselves, not less.
Can I take supplements instead of medication?
Some patients find supplements such as magnesium, omega 3 fish oils, and NAC (N acetyl cysteine) helpful for mild symptoms. St John’s Wort is sometimes used but interacts with many medications and can worsen symptoms in some patients. For moderate to severe anxiety, medication is significantly more effective than supplements.
Is anxiety a sign of weakness?
Absolutely not. Anxiety is a medical condition with a clear neurochemical basis. Seeking treatment is a sign of self awareness and strength, not weakness.
Book an Anxiety Consultation
If anxiety is affecting your daily life, sleep, or relationships, book a consultation at Clinique Alpa. We offer same day and next day appointments at our clinic in Palmers Green, North London, and virtual consultations for patients who prefer not to attend in person.
Written by Dr Mitesh Parmar, MBBS MRCGP, Principal GP at Clinique Alpa.