Anxiety disorders: treatment considerations

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorders. Today patients have a plethora of treatment options to manage these potentially disabling and costly psychiatric disorders. Anxiety disorders represent a large portion of primary care visits and diverse practice settings. Nurses are in key positions to identify symptoms of various anxiety disorders, initiate appropriate treatment, or refer patients for treatment. Families play a key role in successful treatment planning and must be an integral part of the health care team. Major nursing interventions must focus on making an accurate diagnosis, initiating appropriate treatment, and facilitating a higher level of functioning and quality of life.