Almost 20% of patients who visited a medical clinic were suffering from an Anxiety Disorder. In decreasing order of frequency, the following disorders were identified:
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
Each of the above disorders had resulted in significant impairment to the person’s quality of life; yet, 41% of the people had no treatment.
Anxiety affects more than 30 million Americans during their lifetime and is associated with estimated direct and indirect healthcare costs of $42 billion dollars annually in the United States. Yet, physicians state their clinics are much too busy to evaluate for the presence of anxiety.
However, a 2 questionnaire screening tool has been developed which is valid and reliable in detecting anxiety. It is highly recommended that physicians are exposed to this tool, and start to use in their private practices. Does your physician evaluate for anxiety?
del.icio.us
Digg this
