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Most people experience feelings of anxiety before an important event such as a big exam, business presentation or first date. Anxiety disorders, however, are illnesses that cause people to feel frightened, distressed and uneasy for no apparent reason. Left untreated, these disorders can dramatically reduce productivity and significantly diminish an individual's quality of life.
How Common Are Anxiety Disorders?
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in America: more than 19 million are affected by these debilitating illnesses each year.
- Anxiety disorders cost the United States $46.6 billion in 1990 in direct and indirect costs, nearly one-third of the nation's total mental health bill of $148 billion.
If you believe you might have an anxiety disorder you can take the social phobia inventory to confirm just how much of a problem it is for you. I believe cardiovascular exercise is a marvelous physical therapy for anxiety. Another tool that I have been very impressed with recently are the inexpensive and highly effective Insight CDs that provide one with most of the benefits of meditation in a fraction of the time.
Seattle Times June 9, 2004