[Summary of the practice guideline 'Anxiety disorders' (first revision) from the Dutch College of General...

Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive fears leading to distress or social disability. Anxiety disorders are difficult to recognise. General practitioners (GPs) should consider the possibility more often, especially in patients who make frequent visits with unexplained physical symptoms. The cornerstone of treatment is patient education, which can be supported by information leaflets provided by the Dutch College of General Practitioners. Cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressants are equally effective therapies in most anxiety disorders. The choice should be made in collaboration with the patient. Pharmacological treatment is the first choice when a comorbid depression is involved. Cognitive behavioural therapy by the GP is optional considering the limitations of skills and time in general practice. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are equally effective with most anxiety disorders. The choice must be made on the basis of side effects, comorbidity, and co-medication. Antidepressant therapy should be given for at least 6-12 months. The GP's choice oftreatment should lead to improvement within 8-12 weeks. Otherwise, consultation of or referral to a specialist in mental health care is mandatory.