Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Elevated Plus Maze Test Combined with Video Tracking Software to Investigate the Anxiolytic Effect of Exogenous Ketogenic Supplements
Published on: January 7, 2019
[Cost-effectiveness of anxiolytics in anxiety disorders]
Patricia Constantino-Casas1, Guillermo León-González, Armando Nevárez-Sida
1Coordinación de Investigación en Salud, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Distrito Federal, México.
Background:
adequate treatment of anxiety disorders reduces the economic impact, improves functionality in daily life activities and quality of life. Pharmacologic treatment depends on patient's characteristics and doctor's experience. The aim of this study was to determine the use of resources in anxiety disorder and to analyze its cost-effectiveness.
Methods:
use of resources related to chronic treatment of anxiety disorders and cost-effectiveness of drugs were determined, as well as patients' out-of-pocket expenses and productivity loss. A one-year time horizon and decision tree with benzodiazepines, selective inhibitor of serotonin re-intake (SISR) and tricyclic antidepressant drugs were included.
Results:
benzodiazepines were the treatment that had the lowest total cost ($147,587 MXP), followed by SISR (incremental cost of $2,182 MXP), and the highest cost was tricyclic antidepressant drugs ($155,903 MXP).
Conclusions:
benzodiazepines are good alternative for anxiety disorder because of their high effectiveness to control symptoms and because they reduce hospital costs.
Related Concept Videos
Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...