SURVEY FINDS ANXIETY IS OFTEN AN UNDIAGNOSED OBSTACLE TO MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS

New Survey Shows Anxiety Symptoms are Prevalent and Untreated in Depression and Bipolar Disorder

May 31, 2005, CHICAGO, IL -- The majority of people diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder also experience symptoms of anxiety, yet almost half have not been diagnosed with or treated for an anxiety disorder, according to a new survey conducted by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). These findings suggest that both patients and physicians are not fully aware of the correlation between anxiety symptoms and other mood disorders – specifically depression and bipolar disorder.

The DBSA survey polled 1,600 volunteer participants on a variety of questions regarding anxiety, and found that an equal number of those polled were diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. Of those people, 96 percent cited that they also experience symptoms of anxiety and 69 percent think these symptoms are related to their depression or bipolar disorder diagnosis. Yet, while many believe their anxiety is connected to their illnesses, only 44 percent of participants have been formally diagnosed with or treated for an anxiety disorder by a doctor.

These survey findings suggest that anxiety disorders are more prevalent than first thought, but their severity is underestimated. Paula Clayton, M.D., Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico Medical School explains, “About 85% of depressed patients have anxiety symptoms. This high level of anxiety can lead to longer depressive episodes, poorer response to treatment and more chances of suicide if the anxiety is not properly treated.”

As a result of these findings, DBSA has created a special section on their web site http://www.dbsalliance.org/Anxiety/AnxietyIntro.html.  This section contains an anxiety screener, information on anxiety disorders and treatments, a personal calendar to track your anxiety symptoms, results of the survey, information for friends and family, and a discussion forum.

About Anxiety Disorders

In America, more than 19 million people suffer from anxiety disorders such as general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress and specific phobias. These disorders differ from the typical fears that everyone experiences. Being fearful in a fearful situation is a normal reaction.

However, when a person becomes frightened or anxious on a consistent basis and cannot shake that feeling, it is a signal of an anxiety disorder. These disorders come in many forms from constantly feeling uneasy to being paralyzed in fear. Symptoms may also include excessive worry, unrealistic fears, ritualistic behaviors, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, tension, and shakiness or trembling.

The Impact of Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are serious illnesses that alone can be debilitating and co-occurring with other mood disorders they can be a major roadblock to recovery. “It is imperative for doctors to recognize and monitor both the depression or bipolar disorder and the anxiety symptoms. Similarly it is important that the patient communicate their feelings of anxiety with their doctor to ensure proper treatment so the patient can lead a healthy, normal life,” explains Dr. Clayton.

Leading a normal life may seem like an impossibility to those who experience anxiety disorders. Survey participants reported that anxiety negatively affected a variety of aspects of their lives including:

• Relationships with their significant others, friends and family
• Enjoyment of and participation in social activities
• Ability to perform their job effectively
• Ability to form new relationships
• Ability to try new things
• Enjoyment or interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed

Lydia Lewis, President of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance urges that physicians and patients work together, “The relationship between anxiety and depression and bipolar disorder is a serious issue that needs to be recognized by both patients and doctors alike so that people living with these illnesses can fully recover.” DBSA is working with patients and physicians across the country to provide them with information and resources to help understand the prevalence of anxiety and how to help them work with patients.

About the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the nation’s leading patient-directed organization focusing depression and bipolar disorder. The organization, which has more than 1,000 support groups nationwide, fosters an understanding about the impact and management of these life-threatening illnesses by providing up-to-date, scientifically-based tools and information.  Assisted by a 65-member scientific advisory board, comprised of the leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders, DBSA supports research to promote more timely diagnosis, develop more effective and tolerable treatments and discover a cure. More than 4 million receive information and assistance each year.    For more information about DBSA, please visit: www.dbsalliance.org.

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