Anxiety in family practice

Abstract

Anxiety disorders represent some of the most common mental disorders. The lifetime prevalence rates for the different disorders are between 1% and 13%. Most anxiety disorders have a chronic, waxing and waning course. The impairment patients suffer due to the anxiety disorders ranges from mild to incapacitating. It is important that general practitioners understand the diagnostic and treatment concepts of the anxiety disorders to ensure early diagnosis and intervention in order to prevent undue suffering and impairment.