Answer: Anxiety has long been known to be a common mental health problem. A new study has shown that nearly one-fifth of patients in health clinics may have anxiety disorders, and many of them aren't getting help for their anxiety.

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that the nearly 20 percent of 965 patients at a local clinic had at least one anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders go beyond normal anxiety or fear. Here's how the National Institute of Mental Health describes common types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder. Chronic anxiety, even with little or no cause.

• Panic disorder. Sudden bouts of terror, often accompanied by a pounding heart, sweatiness, weakness, fainting, or dizziness.

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event such as a violent personal assault, disaster, accident, or military combat.

• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Many factors can impact your level of anxiety. If you think you may be experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you should contact a licensed mental health clinician and be evaluated. You could be experiencing an anxiety disorder or some other mental health problem, such as depression.