Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide and frequently cause significant functional impairment. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most commonly occurring impairing anxiety disorder in primary care. The degree of disability attributable to generalized anxiety disorder is comparable to that of major depression and is similar to that of chronic physical illnesses, such as peptic ulceration, arthritis, asthma and diabetes mellitus. Comorbid illnesses, such as mood disorders are commonly seen in clinical practice and have a significant impact on the clinical presentation and the treatment approach. Both psychotherapeutic and pharmacological techniques are recognized as being effective management strategies.
The present article focuses on two case-reports of patients with anxiety disorders in an inpatient setting. By describing comorbid conditions subsequent difficulties and challenges in treatment are underlined.