Paroxetine in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor useful in the treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive persistent anxiety and worry about a number of events and activities occurring on more days than not for at least 6 months. GAD is the most common anxiety disorder in primary care settings. Paroxetine was the second antidepressant to receive an FDA indication for the treatment of GAD. In contrast to benzodiazepines, which had been the mainstay of treatment for anxiety disorders for many years, antidepressants, such as paroxetine, are more effective for the psychic symptoms of anxiety, which include worry, tension, irritability and concentration difficulties, and carry a more tolerable and safe side effect profile.