How long does a GP consultation take to work for generalised anxiety disorder?

The GP may ask how worry affects sleep, concentration, work, relationships, and physical symptoms. They may discuss talking therapy, self-management, medication, or a combination, depending on your needs and preferences. A first consultation can set goals and a review plan, but anxiety symptoms may change gradually rather than after a single conversation. Tell the GP about previous treatment and all medicines or substances you use.

Before the appointment, note the worries that are hardest to control and the situations you avoid. Ask how to start any recommended therapy or medicine, what early effects to expect, and when progress will be reviewed. Keep regular sleep and meal patterns where possible, reduce stimulants if they worsen symptoms, and use the agreed coping exercises between appointments.

Seek urgent help if anxiety comes with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, an inability to stay safe, severe agitation, confusion, or symptoms of a medical emergency such as chest pain or serious breathing difficulty. Contact the GP promptly if treatment causes troubling effects or your symptoms rapidly worsen.

Ask which treatment is recommended first, how progress will be measured, when follow-up should occur, and what to do if the first approach is not helping. Check how to access urgent support outside normal appointment hours.