Anxiety disorders seen in primary care

Abstract

This paper presents a clinical overview of syndromal anxiety and its treatment as seen in a family practice setting, where many patients with anxiety disorders are first seen. Panic disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder are the ones most often seen by such physicians. Treatment options include psychotherapy, behavioral-cognitive therapy, and pharmacotherapy. The primary care physician may choose from the benzodiazepines or the heterocyclic antidepressants or both. The monoamine oxidase inhibitors have also proved very useful in the treatment of panic disorder and social phobia, but probably should be used only by physicians with experience with this type of medication.