Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have proven efficacy in the treatment of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. Accumulating data shows that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment can also be efficacious in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. This review summarizes the findings of randomized controlled trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, examines the strengths and weaknesses of other therapeutic approaches and considers potential new treatments for patients with this chronic and disabling anxiety disorder.