[Anxiety-ridden patients in the doctor's office]

Initially, patients with anxiety syndromes consult the general practitioner complaining of physical symptoms. After an appropriate differential diagnostic work-up, the family doctor can therefore check whether the patient might possibly be suffering from an anxiety disorder. For the treatment of such disorders, psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological strategies all have a role to play. The general practitioner can initiate supportive medication before referring the patient to a specialist. Early detection and treatment of an anxiety disorder can prevent the condition from becoming chronic and may also obviate the need for unnecessary repeated diagnostic measures and treatments.