Depression and anxiety: pharmacological treatment in general practice.
BACKGROUND
Depression and anxiety are common presentations in general practice and medications are one of the key treatment strategies.


OBJECTIVE
This article provides an overview of important practical issues to consider when prescribing medications for anxiety and depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Key questions for the general practitioner to consider are: Are medications the best option? Which is the best medication for this patient? What are the practical aspects of prescribing this medication? What is the next step if it doesn't work?
Ellen
Steven
S
Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. s.ellen@alfred.org.au
Selzer
Rob
R
Norman
Trevor
T
Blashki
Grant
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005194:Family Practice; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016312:Treatment Refusal
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors