Anxiety disorders in primary care

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition presenting to primary care practitioners. Yet they can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed. Patients that struggle with anxiety disorders are more likely to seek treatment from primary care providers than mental health specialists. Given the costs in terms of debilitation and associated financial burden, and increased risk of suicide, the identification and successful treatment of anxiety is imperative. By means of clinical acumen and the use of screening tools, the provider can develop expertise in recognition and effective treatment of anxiety disorders.

Keywords: Anxiety disorders; Generalized anxiety disorder; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Panic disorder; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Primary care; Social anxiety disorder.