THE ANXIETY DISORDERS CLINIC

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Anxiety Disorders Clinic?

The Anxiety Disorders Clinic specializes in the study and treatment of anxiety. It is an internationally renowned research center. We study anxiety disorders in order to develop new and better treatments. The doctors you will meet in our clinic are all anxiety specialists who also teach at the medical school of Columbia University.

The research we do depends on volunteers. Your participation should not only help your anxiety problems, but will eventually improve the lives of people with similar problems around the world. We hope you will come to feel like an important member of our research team

Being in research involves 3 phases. In the first phase, you will receive a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation. The second phase involves the research treatment itself, which varies in length from weeks to months. In the third phase you will receive free treatment for up to 3 more months. If the research treatment has not helped you, another treatment will be provided during this time.

What is the difference between a research clinic and a treatment clinic?

Research clinics specialize in particular kinds of problems, and everyone in the clinic is in some kind of research program. Rules specify which individuals can be accepted into research and what treatment they will get. These procedures are often for a participant's protection. In a general clinic you will get treatment for a much broader range of problems and the treatment is selected for your needs.  It is unlikely that you would be involved in research.

We will provide referrals to all individuals who decide they do not want to be involved in research, or who do not qualify for our studies.

How safe is the research?

All research conducted at the Anxiety Clinic is reviewed for subject protection and safety by the Institutional Research Board.  And while all research involves some risk, every effort is made to minimize risk.  

What will my treatment cost?

The clinic is able to provide free treatment because our research is funded through grants from the National Institute of Health, private companies, charitable foundations, and New York State. After your participation in the research is completed, the clinic is able to supply 1 month of free medication.

What will I be asked to do as a research subject?

In general, you will be coming to the clinic on a weekly basis (at least in the beginning). It is critical that you make every effort to keep your regular appointments, as the success of your treatment as well as that of the research depends on this. If you cannot keep an appointment, please call in advance to reschedule. You will meet with your doctor and other clinic staff to monitor whether you are feeling better, and whether the treatment is causing you any problems. The information that you and other people in the study provide will help to determine which treatments are effective. You will also keep records of the medications you take (if you are in a medication study), and return extra medication at every visit. If you have any concerns between visits, please don't hesitate to call. We want to know how you are doing.

What's in it for me?

Most people feel significantly better after their treatment at the clinic. You will be evaluated and treated by experts. Your condition will be closely monitored.  A doctor is available 24 hours a day. After completing the research study, your treatment will be individualized, and will continue to be free of charge (except for the cost of medication). If you need longer treatment, we will help you obtain it.   

JOINING THE CLINIC

There are several steps involved in joining the clinic. First, we want to make sure that the clinic is the right place for you; then we need to know that there are no medical factors that might complicate your treatment here; and that our information about you is accurate.

STEP 1: SCREENING

In this meeting you will be asked a number of questions about the problems for which you are seeking help. This will allow us to determine whether the clinic is the right place for you to get treatment. The staff is also there to answer any initial questions you might have. If we are unable to provide treatment for you, we can provide you with a list of other possible referrals.

STEP 2: PHYSICIAN EVALUATION (INTAKE)

You will meet with a physician for a full evaluation during this appointment. At completion of the interview, the doctor will give you his or her diagnostic impression, and make recommendations about treatment. At this time, the doctor will also let you know which research studies are available for your participation.

STEP 3: STRUCTURED CLINICAL INTERVIEW

If you choose to participate in the clinic, you will be scheduled for an interview.  During this appointment, you will meet with a staff member who will ask many detailed questions about your present and past experience, including any current symptoms you may have. This interview provides an additional opinion about diagnosis, which complements the previous physician evaluation.

STEP 4: MEDICAL EVALUATION

Before you enter a research study it is important for us to evaluate your medical status. Some medical problems can mimic anxiety symptoms. We also need to know if it is safe for you to take medicine (if that is going to be your treatment). For these reasons, you will receive a free medical evaluation, including physical examination, blood drawing and EKG (electrocardiogram).

We hope to be able to offer our services to you, and that you will want to become a part of our research team.    (We welcome you to become a part of our research effort.)

If you have further questions about any of the above, please contact the clinic at 212-543-5367.