ABC News

What Do I Do If I Think A Friend Or Family Member Has An Anxiety Disorder?

Question: What do I do if I think a friend or family member has an anxiety disorder?

Victoria Maizes, M.D., Exec Dir, Program in Integrative Medicine, U of Arizona

Answer: When we think that a friend or family member has an anxiety disorder, it's probably wise for us to bring it to that person's attention. How we do it may require tact, subtlety. For example, it might be appropriate to say, I notice you worry a lot, or, you seem to be anxious a great deal of the time, and then to allow the person to respond. If they say, 'Yes I do worry a lot,' there's an opening for a dialogue about, 'Do you want to do something about this,' you know, 'How much of a problem is it in your life?' If the person's response is, 'I don't think I worry too much,' then there is much less opening, perhaps, to engage in a dialogue.

Related

Next: Does A Family History Of An Anxiety Disorder Increase The Risk For My Developing An Anxiety Disorder?

Previous: What Do I Do If I Think I Have An Anxiety Disorder?

Comment & Contribute

Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.

More Expert Answers From The OnCall+ Mind & Mood - Anxiety Disorders Center
Watch Video
1 2 3 4 5
Index: Anxiety Basics News
Slideshows
1
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT