Seventy-five percent do not seek treatment. However, many visit their internists or family physicians with concerns about symptoms that may be caused by an anxiety disorder. Recent studies indicate that 20 percent of the ailments for which Americans seek a doctor's care are related to anxiety symptoms. Today there are many situations or stressors that can lead to prolonged anxiety responses - the demands of a stressful career, financial woes, divorce, and family problems. Over time, symptoms such as irritability, edginess, depressed mood and varied physical complaints may result.
Persistent anxiety can produce a variety of emotional and physical symptoms.
Following diagnosis by a physician or other mental health professional, treatment may be undertaken through a variety of medical approaches, including behavior therapy, psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. With appropriate medical treatment, sufferers of anxiety disorders can improve, recover, and return to normal activities. Today physicians and other mental health professionals have a number of medications and therapies they can use to treat anxiety disorders. Research indicates that 90 percent of phobic and obsessive-compulsive patients will recover with behavior therapy. Medications also have been shown to be effective for about half of those with obsessive-compulsive disorder.