title: [Treatment of generalized anxiety disorders].
abstract: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition that is common in the general population and in general practice; it is disabling and often unrecognized. Its recognition is difficult because of the need to differentiate between normal anxiety and the other psychiatric disorders with which it is often associated. The primary drugs used for GAD are the antidepressants that have been authorized for this indication (venlafaxine XR, paroxetine, and escitalopram). Although benzodiazepines are effective, their prescription is limited by the disadvantages associated with their long-term use. Drug treatment of GAD must continue for a sufficiently long period (at least 6 months) to minimize the chance of a relapse. Cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT) are as effective as antidepressants. They are often desirable, but their limited availability impedes their use as a first-line treatment.
authors: Service de psychiatrie d'adultes, CHU de Bicêtre (AP-HP), F-94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Université Paris-Sud 11, Inserm U669, France. brigitte.durimel@bct.aphp.fr
authors: Mayena
authors: M
authors: Etchegaray
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: Hardy
mesh_terms: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines