Anxiety, Panic & OCD
Anxiety Treatment in Dubai
Therapy, medication or both — matched to what's actually going on. UK-trained psychiatrist and UK-registered counsellor working together at Dubai Healthcare City.
Anxiety isn't one thing
Anxiety wears different faces. Some people describe a constant background worry; others live between calm and sudden panic; a few can't leave a routine without something bad seeming to happen. The label matters because the treatment is different. The first job is to work out what pattern fits you.
Common patterns we see
- Generalised anxiety — a background hum of worry that won't switch off
- Panic attacks — sudden surges of fear, racing heart, breathlessness
- Social anxiety — dreading meetings, presentations or gatherings
- Health anxiety — checking, googling, seeking reassurance
- OCD — intrusive thoughts and rituals that eat up your day
- PTSD — flashbacks, hypervigilance, sleep problems after trauma
The first visit
A 60-minute appointment: your story in your own words, validated screens (GAD-7, PHQ-9, and others as needed), a look at sleep, alcohol, caffeine and stimulant use, and — if relevant — a brief physical check to rule out things like thyroid problems. You leave with a plan and, if medication is part of it, a clear explanation of what to expect in the first weeks.
Treatment options
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — the strongest evidence for most anxiety disorders
- SSRIs or SNRIs when symptoms are moderate to severe, or when therapy alone isn't enough
- Short, careful use of other medication for panic during acute periods
- Sleep, caffeine, alcohol and exercise review — the boring stuff that actually matters
- EMDR or trauma-focused therapy for PTSD
- Coordinated psychiatry + counselling when both are helpful
Follow-up
Weekly or fortnightly to start, spacing out as symptoms settle. If you're on medication we recheck at 4–6 weeks, then every 3 months once you're stable. Stopping medication is always planned — not sudden.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medication or is therapy enough?
For mild-to-moderate anxiety, therapy on its own often works well. For severe anxiety, panic, or OCD, medication combined with therapy tends to work faster and better. We help you decide, and neither is a permanent commitment.
How long until I feel better?
With CBT, most people notice change within 4–6 sessions. With SSRIs, the meaningful effect usually takes 4–8 weeks — worth knowing at the start so you don't stop too early.
Will I be sedated?
The medications we use first are not sedatives and are not addictive. Benzodiazepines are used sparingly, short-term, and only when clearly indicated.
Can I be seen online?
Yes. Psychiatry follow-ups and most counselling sessions work well by secure video. Initial psychiatry assessments are usually in clinic.
Is this confidential? Will it affect my employer or visa?
Yes, it's confidential. We do not share records with employers or immigration. Insurance claims disclose only what is strictly necessary, with your consent.