This guide is part of the main page for a psychiatrist in Marbella.
A medical assessment first, then a plan that fits
The first consultation lasts 90 minutes. We go through your history, your symptoms and any previous treatment; I examine what else could explain the picture — thyroid, heart, medication effects — and then I explain the diagnosis in plain language.
Treatment may combine psychotherapy with medication when it is indicated, and neither is imposed. If you are already taking anxiolytics and want to reduce them, that is done gradually and under supervision — never abruptly.
When anxiety cannot wait weeks, I keep priority appointments subject to clinical suitability and availability, and reviews can continue online wherever you are in Spain.
Questions
Anxiety — frequently asked questions
How do I know it is anxiety and not a physical illness?
You should not have to guess: that is what the assessment is for. Palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness or stomach problems can belong to anxiety — or to thyroid, cardiac and other medical conditions. As a physician I review your physical health and previous tests before settling on a diagnosis, and refer for investigations when they are genuinely needed.
Can anxiety be treated without medication?
Often, yes. Psychotherapy, structured changes to sleep and habits, and a clear explanation of how panic works are effective in many cases. When medication is indicated, it is a means to recover your life, not a life sentence — and any withdrawal is planned and gradual.
What happens during a panic attack?
A false alarm: your body fires the full danger response — racing heart, breathlessness, trembling, a feeling of unreality or of dying — without real danger. It peaks within minutes and always passes. Treatment works on the fear of the next attack, which is what keeps the disorder alive.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how long the anxiety has been there and what sustains it. Many patients notice real relief within weeks of starting a well-aimed plan; consolidating it and preventing relapse takes longer. You will always know what we are doing and why.
Do you see patients with health anxiety?
Yes, frequently. Health anxiety responds well to treatment that combines honest medical reassurance — one thorough review instead of endless repeated tests — with psychotherapy aimed at the checking and reassurance-seeking cycle.