Anxiety
Anxiety is a common condition that can cause worry, restlessness, palpitations, sweating, breathlessness and sleep problems. Medical conditions such as thyroid disease, arrhythmias and low blood sugar can mimic anxiety, so a brief medical assessment is worthwhile. Evidence-based treatments include therapy, lifestyle changes and, where needed, medication.
Key information
- Symptom
- Anxiety
- Category
- Mental wellbeing
- Common possible causes
- Work and life stress, Sleep deprivation, Caffeine excess, Genetics
- Tests that may be considered
- TSH and free T4, Glucose and HbA1c, Full blood count, Ferritin
- Clinic assessment
- Available same day
- Home doctor visit
- Available across Dubai
- Home blood test
- Available across Dubai
- Date reviewed
- 2026-07-01
What this symptom means
Anxiety is a normal response to stress that becomes a disorder when it is persistent, excessive and interferes with daily life.
Common possible causes
- · Work and life stress
- · Sleep deprivation
- · Caffeine excess
- · Genetics
- · Recent life events or trauma
Less common possible causes
- · Overactive thyroid
- · Arrhythmias
- · Low blood sugar
- · Medication side effects
- · Stimulant use
Serious causes that must not be missed
- · Untreated anxiety leading to significant depression, self-harm or substance misuse
- · Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- · Panic with chest pain and cardiac risk factors (rule out cardiac cause)
- · Rapid weight loss with anxiety (rule out thyroid)
Call 998 (UAE ambulance) or attend the nearest emergency department for any of the above.
When a same-day GP is appropriate
- · Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- · First-ever severe panic with chest symptoms
When a routine GP appointment is fine
- · Ongoing anxiety affecting work or relationships
- · Suspected generalised anxiety, panic or health anxiety
Questions a doctor may ask
- · How long have you felt this way?
- · What symptoms bother you most?
- · Any physical symptoms — palpitations, sweating, breathlessness?
- · How is your sleep, caffeine and alcohol?
- · Any thoughts of harming yourself?
History factors that may matter
- · Previous anxiety or depression
- · Family history
- · Recent life events
- · Substance or stimulant use
Medicines that may contribute
- · Stimulants
- · Some asthma inhalers
- · Steroids
- · Excess caffeine
Never stop a prescribed medication without discussing it with a clinician.
What may happen during the examination
- · Pulse, blood pressure, thyroid palpation
- · Cardiovascular examination
- · Focused mental-state assessment
Tests that may be considered
Blood tests
- · TSH and free T4
- · Glucose and HbA1c
- · Full blood count
- · Ferritin
- · Vitamin D and B12
Other tests
- · ECG if palpitations or chest symptoms
When a specialist referral may be considered
- · Psychology or psychiatry for moderate–severe symptoms, or when there is risk
Possible treatment approaches
- · Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- · Lifestyle changes — sleep, exercise, caffeine reduction
- · SSRIs or other medication where appropriate
- · Short-term propranolol for physical symptoms in specific situations
Safe self-care
- · Regular exercise
- · Sleep hygiene
- · Reduce caffeine and alcohol
- · Breathing exercises and mindfulness
Best avoided
- · Long-term benzodiazepines without specialist guidance
- · Alcohol as a coping strategy
- · Isolation
How Aafiyah can help
- · Confidential GP assessment in clinic or at home
- · Blood tests to exclude medical mimics
- · Onward psychology or psychiatry referral
- · Follow-up plan tailored to you
Related tests
Related conditions
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Hyperthyroidism
Related symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Can a physical condition cause anxiety symptoms?+
Yes — overactive thyroid, arrhythmias, low blood sugar and certain medications can mimic anxiety. A short medical review and blood tests exclude these before starting psychological treatment.
Is treatment for anxiety confidential in Dubai?+
Yes — GP consultations at Aafiyah Care are strictly confidential. We offer both clinic and home visits.
Does CBT really work?+
Yes — cognitive behavioural therapy has strong evidence for generalised anxiety, panic and health anxiety, alone or combined with medication.
Medical references
- · NICE — Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder (CG113) — nice.org.uk
- · NHS — Anxiety in adults — nhs.uk
Medically reviewed by: Dr Shahbaz Afzal — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, DHA-licensed
Written: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed: 2026-07-01 · Next review: 2027-01-01
This page provides general medical information for people in Dubai and the UAE. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified clinician about any medical concern.
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