The results of a recent survey show that one in four adults suffers from anxiety and uncertainty.

The survey was conducted by the Korean Anxiety Medical Association last March. One-thousand men and women between 20 and 69 years old that resided in Seoul and five other metropolitan areas were surveyed.

The survey found that 6% of the respondents showed problems so severe that they adversely affected their daily lives and were in need of medical treatment or counseling. However, less than 20% of them were receiving proper treatment.

The survey indicated that mild mental disorders, which could be healed if treated early, became chronic due to a lack of understanding, according to the association conducting the survey.

The association said it will hold an Anxiety Recognition Day in 13 regions across the nation this month, noting the fact that patients suffering from anxiety often neglect their diseases in early stages.

Lim Se-won, a psychiatrist with the medical association, said, “Time is important for patients who are suffering from mental agitation. They need to understand and discover the symptoms before the diseases get worse.”

During the event lectures, he will explain mental agitation such as social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. The association will also be offering a survey sheet to diagnose participants' mental conditions, and experts will be on hand to explain how to recognize unusual anxiety and the way to overcome anxiety-related disorders.

Experts note that growing numbers of people are suffering from anxiety due to the current sluggish economy and high unemployment rates.

But most people suffering from anxiety and mental agitation accept that they need medical treatment, or think the treatments will help rid them of their anxiety.

Park Jang-woo, a university graduate seeking employment, said, “I am very worried about my future job, but I don't think I need mental treatment because the tension and stress drive me forward to a better future.” In Korea, mental illness is not widely regarded as a curable disease.