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Ansiedade: sintomas, causas e tratamento em Lisboa

ANXIETY - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised assessment and multidisciplinary treatment for Anxiety in Lisbon

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Avaliação psiquiátrica e neurofisiológica da ansiedade — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

A natural response that becomes pathological

Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and a survival mechanism. However, when it becomes chronic, excessive and disproportionate to everyday situations, it becomes an anxiety disorder. This hyperactive state of the central nervous system profoundly affects functional capacity, physical well-being and overall quality of life.

Most common manifestations

  • Cognitive symptoms
    Constant worry, intrusive thoughts, difficulty concentrating and a sense of impending doom.
  • Physical symptoms
    Palpitations, shortness of breath, marked muscle tension, tremors and sweating.
  • Social Avoidance and Phobias
    Removal from social situations, places or activities that trigger acute discomfort.
  • Sleep disturbance
    Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to nocturnal mental hyperactivity.

MAIN TYPES OF ANXIETY

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Excessive and chronic worry about various aspects of daily life, accompanied by fatigue, muscle tension and irritability. Frequent breathing and heartbeat changes.

Generalised

Panic attacks

Acute and sudden episodes of intense and incapacitating fear, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control or heart attack. A feeling of deep despair.

Acute

Social Anxiety and Phobias

Persistent fear and aversion to social situations, to negative evaluation by others, or to specific elements/situations.

Situational

Biological and Environmental Factors

Anxiety can stem from neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain, genetics, past traumas and exposure to prolonged chronic stress.

Causes
Estudo do sistema nervoso e desregulação na ansiedade

The anxiety spectrum also includes Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A well-considered diagnosis is important to enable successful treatment, as there are many symptoms in common with other conditions.

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EFFECTIVENESS IN TREATMENT
ANXIETY

Solid clinical results with modern, personalised therapeutic approaches

75%
report significant relief with combined protocols (neuromodulation/therapy)
65%
average improvement in sleep quality and nervous system regulation
2×
higher clinical success rate combining pharmacology and psychotherapy
80%
of patients regain full functionality in their daily lives

* Data based on clinical studies of the effectiveness of neuromodulation and integrated approaches. Individual results may vary.

Sources: clinical data, Walkup JT et al. (2008), NEJM - CAMS trial: 80.7% response with CBT + sertraline in anxiety disorders; Bandelow B et al. (2015), Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci - meta-analysis of effectiveness of treatments for anxiety disorders; APA, PubMed.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

Neuroimagem na ansiedade
Estimulação Magnética Transcraniana
tDCS no tratamento psiquiátrico
Abordagens Complementares
tDCS - Estimulação Eléctrica Transcraniana
qEEG Mapeamento Cerebral
Clínica Lisboa
Ondas Cerebrais
Fisiologia
Sala de Tratamento
Espaço Bem-Estar

IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALISED CONSULTATION

Clinical anxiety is not just a passing "nervousness" and is difficult to overcome with willpower alone. A specialised psychological assessment is the first indispensable step: it makes it possible to detect organic causes, establish a precise diagnosis and design a therapeutic plan that combines emotional support with physiological modulation of the nervous system.

💡 Early and appropriate treatment of anxiety prevents a worsening emotional state, social isolation and the subsequent development of depression.

At NeuroPsyque, the consultation integrates a multidisciplinary approach, combining excellent psychotherapy, medication planning and, further down the line, weaning off medication. We also have access to reference interventions such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which are very effective in treating anxiety symptoms. Our aim is to restore peace of mind to your life - with clinical rigour and a deeply human approach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's on Anxiety

What should I expect at the first assessment appointment?
The first consultation includes a detailed assessment of your medical history, the intensity of your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Organic causes are analysed, culminating in the construction of an initial therapeutic plan according to your needs.
Can anxiety be cured?
Yes, anxiety as a human emotion will always be present. Pathological anxiety, on the other hand, should not be, and it is possible to eradicate the symptoms to the point where they no longer constitute an Anxiety Syndrome. The aim is not to eradicate the emotion completely, but to cure its pathological form. In fact, it's important that treatment doesn't completely unbalance the ability to feel emotion. With appropriate treatment, the overwhelming majority of patients achieve clinical remission of the disabling symptoms, regaining emotional control and quality of life.
When should I seek professional help?
You should seek help when anxiety stops being a passing concern and begins to interfere with your routines, impairing sleep, work performance, interpersonal relationships or causing suffering and emotional exhaustion.
How can you tell a Panic Attack from ordinary anxiety?
A panic attack is an abrupt and very intense episode of fear, which peaks within a few minutes. It is characterised by strong physical symptoms such as extreme palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness and an imminent fear of losing control or dying. Common anxiety tends to be more diffuse (it's always, or almost always there) and progressively builds over time.
Does neuromodulation (EMT / tDCS) help treat anxiety?
Yes. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (EMT) is a non-invasive treatment with excellent evidence of regulating hyperactive brain areas typical of anxiety disorders. It is a very valuable alternative, due to its effectiveness and the very low incidence of side effects. It is especially useful for patients who are resistant to medication or who cannot tolerate its adverse effects.
Will I have to take psychiatric medication forever?
No, not in almost all cases. The aim of medication, when introduced, is to stabilise pain and reduce suffering so that other areas can be addressed. In many cases, after stabilisation and with psychotherapy work, medication can be gradually reduced and eventually withdrawn with close medical supervision.
How does psychotherapy work with anxiety?
A psychotherapy (e.g. cognitive-behavioural) works by teaching how to identify and change dysfunctional thought patterns, how to deal with stress triggers in a healthy way and how to develop practical tools for relaxation and lasting emotional regulation.
Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?
No, it's not necessary. You can book your appointment directly from Psychology or Psychiatry at NeuroPsyque. If you have health insurance, we only recommend that you check the conditions of your policy for reimbursement.