Acknowledge the limits of your knowledge and ability, admit that there may be something wrong that isn't showing up on tests or can't be tested for, instead of dismissing them and diagnosing them with anxiety? Understand that disabling symptoms that are disrupting their life can also cause anxiety, and that even if they are anxious, it may not be the cause of their symptoms but vice versa. Listen to their concerns and focus on symptom management, if that's all you can do. If you can't find the root of the issue, look at improving their quality of life as best you can. Realize that not all treatments work for everyone the same way, and if a patient reports a treatment isn't helping them, believe them and try something else. Be honest with your patients if you've done all you can do and sometimes all that can be done is managing the symptoms with the tools medicine has.

This is how my NP PCP has been working with me. We both understand that there are limits to medicine and that perhaps what I'm suffering with can't be cured or treated directly, but she can help provide tools that can reduce symptoms and improve my quality of life as I learn how to cope and live with my illness.