Anxiety disorders: dental implications.

Anxiety disorders are the most frequently found psychiatric problem in the general population. The most common anxiety disorders are phobias, panic attack, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. Recent terrorist attacks in the U.S. have had a marked impact on the mental health status of individuals directly affected by the attacks as well as those who were far from the scenes of destruction. To provide effective dental care, the dentist must be able to identify anxious patients and deal with their anxiety. This process may involve referring the patient for medical evaluation and treatment of very severe cases of anxiety. In most cases, the dentist can manage the patient by using behavioral and/or pharmacologic means.