Pharmacological Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Current Practice and Future Directions.
Harry A Fagan, David S Baldwin
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics June 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2211767 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Novel anxiolytics Pharmacological treatment Pharmacotherapy |
| Citations | 55 |
| Key findings | A range of effective treatments for GAD are available, particularly duloxetine, escitalopram, pregabalin, quetiapine, and venlafaxine, but evidence for managing non-response is limited and translation of novel anxiolytics from animal models has mostly been unsuccessful. |
Abstract
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric condition, characterized by the presence of general apprehensiveness and excessive worry. Current management consists of a range of pharmacological and psychological treatments. However, many patients do not respond to first-line pharmacological treatments and novel anxiolytic drugs are being developed. In this review, the authors first discuss the diagnostic criteria and epidemiology of GAD. The effective pharmacological treatments for GAD and their tolerability are addressed. Current consensus guidelines for treatment of GAD are discussed, and maintenance treatment, the management of treatment resistance, and specific management of older adults and children/adolescents are considered. Finally, novel anxiolytics under development are discussed, with a focus on those which have entered clinical trials. A range of effective treatments for GAD are available, particularly duloxetine, escitalopram, pregabalin, quetiapine, and venlafaxine. There is a limited evidence base to support the further pharmacological management of patients with GAD who have not responded to initial treatment. Although many novel anxiolytics have progressed to clinical trials, translation from animal models has been mostly unsuccessful. However, the potential of several compounds including certain psychedelics, ketamine, oxytocin, and agents modulating the orexin, endocannabinoid, and immune systems merits further study.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on anxiety, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review General (healthcare, schools, workplace) | 2021 | Review | |
| A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders | 2017 | Review and consensus statement | |
| Sudarshan Kriya Yogic Breathing in the Treatment of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Part II—Clinical Applications and Guidelines | 2005 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology | 2018 | Review | |
| Management of Treatment-Resistant Depression: Challenges and Strategies | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- DT120 (MM120): a single-dose orally disintegrating formulation of lysergide tartrate for generalized anxiety disorder Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics October 8, 2026
- Mindfulness Development via Biofeedback for Anxiety in Hospitalized Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Brain Sciences July 15, 2026
Cites 13
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Archives of General Psychiatry September 7, 2010
- Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation American Journal of Psychiatry March 17, 2021
- Global Street Food: la cocina de la calle Diseño interior 2009
and 8 more in the library