[Anxiolytics and depression (author's transl)]

After establishing the definition of an anxiolytic, the use of these drugs in the treatment of psychopathological states is examined. Whilst it is clear that the balance of evidence is against their use in depression unaccompanied by a significant level of anxiety, it is nevertheless the case that these drugs have an established place in the management of mixed anxiety-depression. This leads to a number of logical possibilities concerning the mode of action of anxiolytics and the relationships between depression and anxiety: these possibilities are examined. Complementary uses of anxiolytics adjunctive to pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques for treating depression are also considered.