Generalized anxiety disorder: raising the expectations of treatment.
Anxiety disorders are prevalent and associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality, particularly when present with additional psychiatric disorders. They represent a public health and economic burden, yet they are commonly underrecognized and undertreated. Benzodiazepines are effective anxiolytics, but they primarily treat the somatic symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and are not effective in treating the depressive symptoms that are often comorbid in chronic anxiety disorders like GAD. Some antidepressants may therefore offer the best choice of therapy. Their benefit in the treatment of GAD has been demonstrated using the tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine, and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine extended release (XR), has been indicated for GAD and has proven to be effective in both the short- and long-term treatment of patients with this disorder. Many patients treated with venlafaxine XR achieve and sustain remission from the symptoms of GAD, which is the goal of treatment.
Allgulander
Christer
C
Karolinska Institute, Neurotec Department, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm. Christer.Allgulander@neurotec.ki.se
Sheehan
David V
DV
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride