[New indications for antidepressive agents. Now also in anxiety disorders and premenstrual syndrome?]

Social anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorders are quite common in the adult general population, and often lead to suffering and impaired function in major areas of daily life. In addition to behavioral therapy, pharmacological strategies may bring about significant improvement. Particularly effective are the SSRIs, nefazodone and venlafaxine. Premenstrual syndrome--a common complaint in women of reproductive age--can also be effectively treated with SSRIs.