Importance of Establishing the Diagnosis of Persistent Anxiety

Anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stressdisorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobic disorders, are the psychiatric disorders mostcommonly found in the community, according to the results of recent epidemiologic studies. However,failure to diagnose these disorders occurs in up to 50% of patients with an anxiety disorder. Thisfailure to correctly diagnose and appropriately treat anxiety disorders can result in overutilization ofhealth care services and increased morbidity and mortality rates from either the anxiety disorder orcomorbid medical conditions. Reliable diagnostic tools to improve the early recognition of anxietydisorders can subsequently result in more effective treatment.