What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder that overlaps with depression treatment?

What is the first-line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder that overlaps with depression treatment?

• A. Tricyclic antidepressants
• B. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• C. SSRIs
• D. Atypical antipsychotics

Answer: (C)

The first-line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that also has efficacy in treating depression is the class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which increases its availability in the synaptic cleft and enhances mood and anxiety regulation. This mechanism not only alleviates symptoms of anxiety but is also effective in treating depressive disorders. SSRIs are well-studied and have a strong evidence base supporting their use in both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. They are often preferred due to their favorable side effect profile compared to older classes of antidepressants, making them more acceptable for patients. In contrast, while tricyclic antidepressants can also be effective for anxiety and depression, they are often associated with more side effects and are generally not considered first-line treatment. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) do overlap in their efficacy as well and can be considered for these conditions; however, SSRIs are typically the first choice due to their broader acceptance in clinical practice and safety. Atypical antipsychotics, on the other hand, are not typically first-line treatments for either condition and

The first-line pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that also has efficacy in treating depression is the class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which increases its availability in the synaptic cleft and enhances mood and anxiety regulation. This mechanism not only alleviates symptoms of anxiety but is also effective in treating depressive disorders.

SSRIs are well-studied and have a strong evidence base supporting their use in both generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. They are often preferred due to their favorable side effect profile compared to older classes of antidepressants, making them more acceptable for patients.

In contrast, while tricyclic antidepressants can also be effective for anxiety and depression, they are often associated with more side effects and are generally not considered first-line treatment. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) do overlap in their efficacy as well and can be considered for these conditions; however, SSRIs are typically the first choice due to their broader acceptance in clinical practice and safety. Atypical antipsychotics, on the other hand, are not typically first-line treatments for either condition and