TRIP

Managing anxiety disorders

National Prescribing Service Limited (Australia), 2009

The information contained in this material is derived from a critical analysis of a wide range of authoritative evidence.
Any treatment decision based on this information should be made in the context of the clinical circumstances of each patient.
3 years ago (last exacerbation 3 months ago) which is well controlled with tiotropium 18 micrograms
— 70% of respondents listed increased anxiety/agitation as a potential adverse effect of both SSRIs
• When asked to provide management strategies for the potential adverse effects of antidepressants,
• As indications for using benzodiazepines in the management of anxiety disorder, 47% of respondents
*Other included complex psychiatric history 1%, alcohol and drug use 1%, anxiety too hard to specify 1%
• Take a thorough history including details on substance-use (including alcohol use and self-medication)
• Start with non-drug therapies and psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
• Avoid starting with combined therapy (an antidepressant combined with psychological and other non-
*Other included beta blockers (non-specified) 1%, mirtazapine1%, complementary and herbal remedies 1%