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Selecting pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. wkgood@psychiatry.ufl.edu
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often co-occurs with depression and has a chronic course. Effective GAD treatment focuses on remission and preventing recurrence using various therapies, including SSRIs and SNRIs.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is increasingly recognized as a chronic condition.
- High comorbidity with depression is a significant factor in GAD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging treatments for GAD.
- To emphasize the importance of treatment goals, including remission and recurrence prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and clinical trial data.
- Discussion of pharmacologic interventions for GAD.
Main Results:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective first-line GAD therapies.
- Benzodiazepines offer rapid symptom relief for GAD.
- Emerging treatments include GABA modulators, CRH antagonists, and pregabalin.
Conclusions:
- Understanding GAD's chronic nature and comorbidity is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
- Achieving full remission should be the primary goal in GAD management.
- Newer agents and a focus on long-term outcomes are improving GAD patient care.