Antidepressants for generalized anxiety disorder.(Cochrane For Clinicians: Putting Evidence Into Practice)

Publication: American Family Physician

Publication Date: 01-NOV-03

Bookmark this article Print this article Link to this article Email this article Digg It! Add to del.icio.us RSS

COPYRIGHT 2003 American Academy of Family Physicians

The Cochrane Abstract below is a summary of a review from the Cochrane Library. It is accompanied by an interpretation that will help clinicians put evidence into practice. Cheryl A. Flynn, M.D., M.S., and Y.C. Christine Chen, M.P.H., present a clinical scenario and question based on the Cochrane Abstract, along with the evidence-based answer and a full critique of the abstract.

This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for evidence-based continuing medical education (EB CME). EB CME is clinical content presented with practice recommendations supported by evidence that has been systematically reviewed by an AAFP-approved source. The practice recommendations in this activity are available at http://www.cochrane.org/cochrane/revabstr/AB003592.htm

Clinical Scenario

A 40-year-old man is in counseling for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). He asks about pharmacotherapeutic treatment options, expressing a desire to avoid addictive medications.

Clinical Question

Are antidepressants an effective and acceptable treatment for GAD?

Evidence-Based Answer

As a group, antidepressants are an effective short-term treatment for GAD. Compared with placebo, about five to six patients must be treated to get...

Read the full article for free courtesy of your local library.