Can Long-Term Pharmacotherapy Prevent Relapses in Generalized Anxiety Disorder? A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background and objectives: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a persistent anxiety disorder with a high rate of relapse. While several trials have demonstrated the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for GAD treatment, fewer studies have investigated its efficacy in preventing symptom relapse in long-term treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate if long-term pharmacotherapy may prevent relapses in GAD patients.

Methods: This is a systematic review of the relapse prevention trials with GAD patients.

Results: Eight trials were included in this review with 5304 patients in total. All patients showed a higher risk of relapse if treatment was not maintained for at least 6 months after remission, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.12 to 0.58 and mostly moderate effect sizes (0.19-1.06).

Conclusion: Long-term pharmacotherapy may prevent symptom relapse in GAD patients. As the relapse rate is very high, the data support the continuation of pharmacotherapy for as long as possible.