April 24, 2003
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER OFFERS FREE PROGRAM ON ANXIETY DISORDERS SCREENING DAY

Hackensack University Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, an affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry, is participating in a nationwide Anxiety Disorders Screening Day. 

The free program will be held on Wednesday, May 7 in the medical center’s Access Center, 25 East Salem Street, first floor cafeteria, Hackensack. Two sessions will be offered, the first from 3-5 p.m. and the second from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The afternoon program consists of an anonymous individual screening and the opportunity to discuss the results with a mental health professional will be offered. The evening session will offer a video presentation on Anxiety Disorders, and a brief lecture, in addition to the anonymous screening. Participants will be provided with resource materials and a self-report form. Light refreshments and parking will be provided for both sessions.

“Anonymous screenings by mental health professionals will be held to review participants’ self-report forms, said Susan Stone, LSW. “Although the evaluation is not a substitute for treatment or diagnosis, it can pinpoint possible indicators of anxiety. If so, participants will be referred to appropriate resources.”

Advanced registration is suggested due to limited space. For information about the program and to register, please call (201) 996-5994. 

According to experts at the medical center, not everyone suffering from anxiety will have every symptom. Some people experience few symptoms, some many. Also, severity of symptoms varies with individuals. Symptoms include:

*unexpected panic attacks
*nightmares and flashbacks
*doing things over and over again such as checking, counting, or washing
*persistently worrying
*feeling nervous or tense most of the time
*feeling very uncomfortable in social situations
*having fears or phobias
*being unable to travel alone
*unexplained physical symptoms

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine offers a range of specialized services to help in dealing with mental illness and emotional stress, which are two of the most prevalent health problems in America. A team of psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical nurse specialists, and clinical social workers provide comprehensive mental health services to adults, children, and families.
 

 

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