Degree of anxiety disorders |
GAD-2 Score |
Treatment |
Consultation with expert |
Minimal |
< 3 |
Relaxation techniques |
|
Significant |
≥ 3 |
- Recommend relaxation
techniques
- Consider benzodiazepines,
mainly clonazepam or lorazepam for a short period of time (less than 4 weeks)
- Consider antidepressant
treatment with SSRI
- Consider psychotherapeutic
intervention:
- Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Stress
Management
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive
Therapy
- Peer Support Counseling
|
- Always if treating doctor is unfamiliar with use of antidepressants
- If depression not responding to treatment
- If person has suicidal ideation
- In case of complex situations such as drug addiction, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, dementia, acute severe life events
- Clinical improvement with antidepressants may take up to 4 weeks;
there is no need to change antidepressants before this time Dose increment of antidepressant may be considered
|
Generalized anxiety disorder |
|
Start antidepressant treatment with SSRI and benzodiazepine if needed (to reduce anxiety faster) Refer to mental health expert to start psychotherapeutic intervention |
|
See Drug-drug Interactions between Anxiolytics and ARVs
Mental health professionals should always be consulted if there is a risk of suicide