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Anxiety disorders: prevalence and treatment
Current Medical Research and Opinion
|January 1, 1984
Summary
This study classified anxiety disorders in a large US survey, finding lower prevalence than expected. Many individuals with anxiety disorders may not receive appropriate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions.
- Accurate classification and prevalence data are crucial for understanding public health impact.
- Previous epidemiological data on specific anxiety syndromes is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify survey respondents into anxiety disorder syndromes based on DSM III criteria.
- To determine the prevalence of these syndromes in a large-scale US survey.
- To examine treatment patterns for these anxiety syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Utilized responses from a standard clinical symptom checklist administered in the 1979 National Survey of Psychotherapeutic Drug Use.
- Classified respondents into 'agoraphobia/panic', 'other phobia', and 'generalized anxiety' syndromes.
- Analyzed demographic and treatment data, including medication use.
Main Results:
- Identified 1-year prevalence rates of 1.2% for agoraphobia/panic, 2.3% for other phobia, and 6.4% for generalized anxiety.
- Observed lower prevalence rates for these syndromes than commonly suggested by clinical observations.
- Found surprising treatment patterns: 55% of agoraphobics used anti-anxiety agents, while only 8% used antidepressants; generalized anxiety patients had low anti-anxiety agent use (27%).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of these anxiety syndromes appears lower than clinical lore suggests.
- Significant discrepancies exist in treatment patterns, with many individuals not receiving appropriate care.
- Findings highlight potential gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in the general population.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:27Panic Disorder
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01:28Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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01:22Behavior Therapy
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Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
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