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This week on Healthwatch, we've been talking about stress. This time of year, there's one major reason why many of us are feeling stressed: taxes. If you haven't filed your tax return yet - or even started organizing your tax documents - you're not alone.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say there are a number of reasons why many people procrastinate on filing their taxes. Some reasons are economic - people expecting refunds may file earlier, while those who expect to pay more taxes may file later. But many reasons are psychological.
Dr. Steven Krebaum, a UT Southwestern psychiatrist, says these reasons can include not wanting to face realities of personal finances or stock market results, anger at the government bureaucracy or not wanting to be reminded of distressing personal issues that affect taxes, such as a recent divorce.
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April 2005
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