About Drugs for Generalized Anxiety Disorders

Generalized anxiety disorder is a psychological disorder in which the patient has feelings of anxiety that are vague and free floating. While anxiety disorders can be helped by psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments, many patients benefit from medications, which can include antidepressants and medications designed to reduce feelings of anxiety.

Definition of General Anxiety Disorder

• General anxiety disorder is a condition in which the patient has feelings of anxiety that last for a long time and are not directed at any particular action or object.

Anxiolytics

• In some cases, doctors may prescribe anxiolytics for general anxiety disorder. Anxiolytics include benzodiazepines and work to help relieve anxiety.

SSRIs

• SSRIs are a type of antidepressant that work to increase the level of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that controls mood. SSRIs, in high doses, can relieve anxiety.

TCAs

• TCAs are also known as tricyclic antidepressants and can also be effective for treating generalized anxiety disorder, though they are less commonly used.

MAOIs

• MAOIs are also known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These are powerful drugs that can be used for serious cases of depression and anxiety that do not respond to other treatments.