Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2005

Contact: Contact: Mike Emery
713.743.8186 (office)
713.415.6551 (pager)
pemery@uh.edu

The University of Houston’s Psychology Research and Services Center (PRSC) will conduct free anxiety disorder screenings to spotlight National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day on Wednesday, May 4.

The screenings are open to the public and will be conducted by clinical psychology doctoral students, under the supervision of professional psychologists.

The individual screenings will last approximately 20 – 30 minutes each and require participants to view a short video, fill out a questionnaire and participate in a discussion with student screeners.

These screenings will test for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. Tests are conducted in English and are for adults only, but PRSC gives referrals for screenings for Spanish-speaking individuals or children.

Screening responses will indicate either a clinical anxiety level or no distinct symptoms related to anxiety disorders. Participants with such symptoms will be provided with therapy referrals and information on treatment options.

UH offers individual therapy for depression and for excessive anxiety. Group therapy is also available for excessive anxiety. Those interested in these services can contact the UH Anxiety Disorder Clinic at (713) 743-8609.

“Approximately 25 percent of Americans are diagnosed with anxiety disorders in their lifetime,” said Peter Norton, director of UH’s Anxiety Disorder Clinic and assistant professor of psychology. “Most people, however, don’t realize that anxiety disorders are treatable. Once they undergo a screening, they can learn about treatments that might benefit them in the long run.”

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.