TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT:

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ANXIETY DISORDERS

1. Anxiety disorders affect 8.3% of Americans.

1. TRUE. Including the estimated 11 million who suffer phobias, 1.2 million who experience panic attacks and 2.4 million who have obsessive-compulsive disorders.

2. Most people who suffer from anxiety disorders do not seek treatment.

2. TRUE. Seventy-five percent do not seek treatment. However, many visit their internist or family physician with concerns about symptoms that may be caused by an anxiety disorder. Recent studies indicate that 20 percent of the ailments for which Americans seek a doctor=s care are related to anxiety symptoms.

3. Effective treatment begins with proper medical diagnosis.

3. TRUE. Following diagnosis by a psychiatrist or other physician, treatment can be undertaken through a variety of medical approaches including behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, medication or combinations of therapy and medication.

4. With appropriate medical treatment, sufferers of anxiety disorders can improve, recover and return to normal activities.

4. TRUE. Today psychiatrists and other physicians have a number of medicines and therapies they can use to treat anxiety disorders. Research indicates that 90 percent of phobic and obsessive-compulsive patients will recover with behavioral therapy. Other studies show that while they are taking appropriate medications, 70 percent of those who suffer panic disorder improve. Medications also have been shown to be effective for about half of those with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

5. Your health insurance will cover all the costs for treatment of an anxiety disorder.

5. FALSE. Most health insurance will cover some costs of treatment. Anxiety disorders are illnesses and should have the same amount of coverage as any other illness. Check your policy to see if treatment for anxiety disorders is covered equally.