Anxiety Disorders are the most prevalent health problems in the United States, surpassing alcohol and drug abuse. Affecting one out of every five people, these disorders are complex conditions that can manifest in a variety of ways.

Most of us have experienced anxiety at some point in our lives. It is a normal response to threatening situations. Under certain circumstances, anxiety can actually help us to evaluate and mobilize our resources in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones. In moderation, it can also help us to be more efficient and improve our performance in some tasks. However, in excess, anxiety can hinder our abilities and interfere with our daily lives. At extreme levels, it can severely impair our functioning. When a person's life becomes this disrupted, he/she may be suffering from an Anxiety Disorder and could need professional intervention. As Anxiety Disorders present in different forms, it is essential to obtain a proper evaluation by trained professionals who can direct the individual to the most suitable treatment.

The UCLA Semel Insititue Anxiety Disorders Program is one of the finest programs in United States for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of Anxiety Disorders and offers a wide variety of services. UCLA is also one of the premier research facilities in the country. This gives our highly trained faculty and staff, made up of several collaborative groups, access to the most current information, treatment and technology in the areas of brain research, psychiatry and psychology.

The information provided in these pages is meant as a guideline only, and should not be used to diagnose yourself or another. Again, to make a valid diagnosis and receive the correct treatment, it is necessary to have an evaluation done by trained mental health professionals.