[Early detection of anxiety disorders].

Anxiety disorders represent a widespread illness. Those affected with initial symptoms usually seek the help of their family doctor. In many cases, considerable time passes before the diagnosis has been established and specialised treatment applied, with the result that chronification is furthered. Physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder, and fears of contracting somatic disease are almost always the first to be described. In patients abusing alcohol and/or hypnotics consideration must always be given to an anxiety disorder. Previously existing symptoms almost always include depressive moods or avoidance behavior. Stressful life events and other psychosocial stressful factors may also point the way to the early diagnosis of an anxiety disorder.