Anxiety Disorders: Management
Degree of anxiety disorders |
GAD-2 Score | Treatment | Consultation with expert |
Minimal | < 3 | Relaxation techniques | |
Significant | ≥ 3 |
Recommend relaxation Consider benzodiazepines, Consider antidepressant Consider psychotherapeutic
|
Always if treating doctor is unfamiliar with use of antidepressants If anxiety not responding to treatment If person has suicidal ideation In case of complex situations such as drug addiction, personality disorders, acute severe life events Clinical improvement with antidepressants may take up to 4 weeks; Dose increment of antidepressant may be considered |
Generalized anxiety disorder | Start antidepressant treatment with SSRI and benzodiazepine if needed (to reduce anxiety faster)(i, ii) Refer to mental health expert to start psychotherapeutic intervention |
i See Drug-drug Interactions between Anxiolytics and ARVs
ii Mental health professionals should always be consulted if there is a risk of suicide