A survey of the treatment of anxiety disorders in general practice

Three hundred and fifty seven patients with conspicuous psychiatric morbidity in two general practices in Nottinghamshire, one urban and one rural, were followed up for three years after original assessment. All patients were initially assessed for current mental state, personality status and alcohol problems using standard instruments. Of these patients 131 were diagnosed as suffering from anxiety states and other neurotic disorders. In the three year period 87% had received treatment from the general practitioner and 24% had been referred to a psychiatrist. The most common treatment was a prescription for tricyclic antidepressants (59%) but benzodiazepines were prescribed for the longest period. Only 8% of patients received psychotherapy or behaviour therapy. It is argued that this pattern of treatment represents the best use of current knowledge.