Anxiety disorders, which include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, 
posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobic 
disorders, are the psychiatric disorders most commonly found in the community, 
according to the results of recent epidemiologic studies. However, failure to 
diagnose these disorders occurs in up to 50% of patients with an anxiety 
disorder. This failure to correctly diagnose and appropriately treat anxiety 
disorders can result in overutilization of health care services and increased 
morbidity and mortality rates from either the anxiety disorder or comorbid 
medical conditions. Reliable diagnostic tools to improve the early recognition 
of anxiety disorders can subsequently result in more effective treatment.