Consequences of Anxiety Disorders on Society

Panic disorder, agoraphobia and social phobia are the three most crippling kinds of anxiety disorders. They generally require many medical consultations. Many of these individuals cannot leave their home for years because of their fears and their symptoms. In the most serious cases, people who suffer from these disorders withdraw from their professional and social life for a number of years - which considerably decreases their quality of life. Poverty, despair, suicide, isolation, divorce, alcohol and drug abuse, co-dependency, high cost in health and social services, etc.

A Significant Social Cost

The problem is misunderstood by the public in general and by many health professionals. Some individuals will wait eight to twelve years before seeking help with social phobia or agoraphobia. The problem will mostly be blamed on physical (such as a heart weakness) rather than psychological issues. The repeated physical tests, hospital visits, medication, drugs and alcohol, and suicide attempts cause important social costs. The individuals affected by these disorders often live on social security benefits.

The difficulty of a diagnosis comes from the fact that a person suffering from agoraphobia will take a certain amount of time before making the appropriate connections. Since this same person has difficulty going outdoors, the vicious circle begins.

We are far from stating that the people suffering from these panic disorders are crippled for the rest of their lives. Actually, they will recover to lead normal lives depending on the efforts they will undertake. Our organization does not claim to make miracles. We acknowledge that people with the worse cases of anxiety disorders develop co-dependent relationships are not ready to work it out.

Through the information provided in our group meetings, our Website and our Newsletter, La Clé des Champs helps to inform people about the consequences of resisting change. ....