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The nature and duration of treatment for GAD
Author(s) -
Lader M. H.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1998.tb05975.x
Subject(s) - pharmacotherapy , anxiety , medicine , intensive care medicine , psychiatry , incidence (geometry) , psychology , optics , physics
It is becoming increasingly evident that GAD is a chronic condition with repeated acute‐on‐chronic episodes. Treatment in the short term relies on the benzodiazepines, which are rapid in action. providing substantial symptomatic relief with a low incidence of side‐effects and low toxicity in overdose. The risk of more serious unwanted effects in the long term, including some risk of physical dependence, has led to a move towards alternative treatments both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic. Antidepressants are being used on a long‐term basis, but data are sparse to confirm their efficacy in GAD. Anxiety management and cognitive‐behavioural techniques are rivalling pharmacotherapy in popularity. None the less, research seeking optimal ways of combining therapies remains an urgent priority.