Anxiety

Question 1

Symptoms of GAD, and how long must the symptoms be experienced before a patient is diagnosed with GAD?

Answer 1

Excessive anxiety and worries for > 6mo

Question 2

Duration of treatment for GAD?

Answer 2

At least 1 year, after establishing adequate trial and good response from a medication

Question 3

First line drug classes to treat GAD?

Answer 3

1. SSRI, SNRI, pregabalin

Question 4

Second line drugs to treat GAD?

Answer 4

Mirtazapine, imipramine

Question 5

After starting pharmacotherapy, how long will it be before anxiolytic effects are observed?

Answer 5

2-4 weeks

(improvements take 4-6w, full response at least 3 mo)

Question 6

What is the usual effective dosage of fluoxetine in patients with GAD?

Answer 6

60 - 80 mg OD

(for all therapy, usually the higher dosage range is the effective dosage for GAD)

Question 7

BZDs can be used for the short-term relief of anxiety except for which type of anxiety?

Answer 7

PTSD

Question 8

Amongst al the BZD, which BZD does not undergo metabolism by CYP3A4?

Answer 8

Lorazepam

Question 9

Dosage range for pregabalin in GAD? What is its initial dose?

Answer 9

• Dosage range: 300 - 600 mg/d
• Initial dose: 150 mg/day, divided BD-TDS