Anxiety management
The prevalence of phobic disorders is higher than might be expected,
with a one month prevalence of 10% (Lindesay, 1991). Disability from
phobias can be significant but specific treatment is rare. The majority of
these patients suffer from a late-onset agoraphobia following a traumatic
experience, typically an episode of serious physical illness. They have a
higher than average contact with primary care services but tend not to
be referred for specialist treatment (see Chapter 9)