Clinical utility of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the spectrum of anxiety.
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are now being employed in the treatment of the full spectrum of anxiety disorders. In comparative trials, the SSRIs are proving to be equal or superior in efficacy to traditional antianxiety medications. Due to their favorable side effect profile, safety, and tolerability, they are rapidly replacing older agents in the treatment of anxiety. Neuroanatomical pathways that may be important in the antianxiety effect of the SSRIs are outline and discussed, followed by a review of the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of this class of medications in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Kent
J M
JM
Department of Clinical Psychobiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, NY 10032, USA.
Coplan
J D
JD
Gorman
J M
JM
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000502:physiology; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000502:physiology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012919:Social Behavior; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D012701:Serotonin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors