Anxiety Treatment in Abu Dhabi

What is anxiety?

Worry and fear are a normal part of life. An anxiety disorder is different: the worry is excessive, persistent and intrusive, and it gets in the way of everyday life. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a common anxiety disorder, involves chronic worrying, nervousness and tension. Other forms include social anxiety disorder.

Common symptoms of anxiety

• Constant worrying about many things in life
• Feeling nervous, anxious, or afraid that something awful might happen
• Trouble sleeping and trouble relaxing
• Restlessness, irritability, or being easily startled
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, trembling, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and palpitations

If anxiety is severe or persistent, a psychiatric assessment is a sensible next step. Read more in our guide to generalized anxiety disorder.

How BMMC treats anxiety

• Assessment: an initial psychiatric evaluation, a review of your medical history and, where needed, psychological testing.
• Psychotherapy: evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you identify and manage anxious thoughts, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy and supportive psychotherapy. See Psychology.
• Medication management: our psychiatrists prescribe and monitor medication when appropriate, and explain how it works and its possible side effects.
• TMS: depending on specialist assessment, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation may be considered for anxiety-related conditions.
• Lifestyle support: regular exercise, stress-management techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation, and a healthy sleep routine.

Appointments are available in person or by telepsychiatry, including evenings and weekends.

Who treats anxiety at BMMC

• Dr. Abdulnaser Arida, Consultant Psychiatrist and founder of BMMC: assessment and treatment of severe anxiety disorders, OCD and complex mood conditions; experienced in TMS.
• Dr. Eman Al Houti, Consultant Psychiatrist: clinical expertise includes anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD and sleep disorders.
• Dr. Najwan Al-Roubaiy, Clinical Psychologist: treats adults with anxiety disorders using CBT and other integrative, evidence-based approaches; sessions in Arabic, English and Swedish.
• Tahani Mostafa, Clinical Psychologist: over 32 years of experience in Egypt and the UAE, with a particular interest in anxiety and depressive disorders and women’s issues.
• Fatema Alkhaja, Clinical Psychologist: CBT and DBT skills to manage emotional distress and strengthen coping.

See the full team on Meet Our Clinicians.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Book: use the contact form, call +971 2 621 2230, message us on WhatsApp or email info@bmmc.ae.
2. Get matched: we pair you with a psychiatrist or psychologist suited to your concerns.
3. First consultation: a comprehensive evaluation, including a clinical interview, your medical and psychological history and, where needed, questionnaires or psychological tests.
4. Your plan: you and your clinician agree an individual treatment plan, and progress is monitored and adjusted over time.

All consultations are confidential. The clinic is on Sultan Bin Zayed The First St, Al Muntazah – Zone 1, Abu Dhabi.

Anxiety treatment: frequently asked questions

Can anxiety be treated?

Many people achieve full recovery or significant improvement in symptoms with appropriate treatment. Some conditions are long-term and need continuing management, which your clinician will plan with you.

Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose mental health conditions and can prescribe and manage medication. Clinical psychologists provide assessments and talking therapies such as CBT. When you book, we match you with the right clinician.

Do you offer online appointments?

Yes. Both in-person and telepsychiatry appointments are available.

Do you treat anxiety in children and teenagers?

Yes, through our Children’s Mental Health Services.

How do I book?

Use our contact page, call +971 2 621 2230 or email info@bmmc.ae.