[Drug treatment of anxiety disorders]

DRUG TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS Three classes of drugs are available for the treatment of anxiety disorders: benzodiazepines, other anxiolytics, and serotonergic antidepressants. Except for acute anxiety and adjustment disorders, benzodiazepines are not recommended because of the risks associated with their chronic use (cognitive disorders, dependence, withdrawal syndromes). Other anxiolytics may be prescribed in generalized anxiety disorder but their effectiveness is generally poor. In contrast, several serotonergic antidepressants are indicated in generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social phobia. These are long-term treatments, over at least 6 to 12 months, which can be very effective even in the absence of comorbid depression.