Current anxiolytic pharmacology

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are a major global public health concern, affecting millions of people. According to the DSM 5, anxiety disorders include panic disorder, specific phobias, generalised anxiety disorder, selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, substance/alcohol-induced anxiety, separation anxiety, and agoraphobia. It has been proposed that a combination of psychosocial factors such as stressful events or adversity during childhood and genetic susceptibility may constitute the cause of anxiety disorders. The management of anxiety symptoms is greatly aided by pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. An overview of the most used anxiolytic medications is given in this thesis, along with information on their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, and possible side effects. Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as new emerging anxiety therapy will also be discussed.