ABSTRACT
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent of behavioral health problems in the United States, with more Americans affected by anxiety disorders than substance abuse or depression (Robins et al., 1984). Approximately 10% of individuals will endure an anxiety disorder in their lifetime (Wittchen & Essau, 1991). However, despite their relatively high numbers, the majority of individuals suffering significant anxiety do not seek evaluation and treatment from psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health specialists; rather, they tend to seek services through primary care or medical specialty clinics (Boyd, 1986; Katon et al., 1990). Indeed, individuals with anxiety disorders utilize medical services at rates higher than individuals without problematic anxiety (Carter & Maddock, 1992; Katon et al., 1990). Unfortunately, many patients with anxiety disorders are misdiagnosed or not detected at all in the primary care setting, which then leads to reduced patient function, compromised quality of life, and unnecessary or redundant use of medical services. In view of this, using a valid and reliable measure of anxiety in the primary care setting to aid detection of anxiety disorders makes eminent sense. One such tool is the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
