[A new therapeutic approach: the behavioral prescription of anxiolytics]

Nowadays, two major therapeutic approaches (pharmacological and behavioural) have proven their efficiency and efficacy in the treatment of anxious disorders. These two methods have been used separately, alternatively or simultaneously. The prescription of benzodiazepines is necessary, because they are efficient and fast-acting. But this is not enough and may be hazardous for a prolonged period. Behavioural methodology and therapeutics improve the assessment of anxious disorders and offer a large variety of specific techniques to the physician. The innovative and integrative behavioural prescription (BP) is pragmatic and reliable. For instance, drugs are markers for assessment of anxious behaviours, in an agenda and may be used both to support functional analysis, and as agents of therapeutic contracts. The synergic action of behavioural prescription is clear in three dimensions: BP deepens muscle relaxation and gives better self-control and self-regulation of arousal level. BP alleviates social inhibition by developing social skills. BP modifies cognitions and affective disorders, which is necessary for permanent results and drug withdrawal. Other applications of BP will be considered in the future.