Antidepressants Effective for Anxiety, Long-Term Effects Remain Uncertain

Expert insights on generalized anxiety disorder treatment and the risks of abruptly stopping antidepressant use.

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Antidepressants are effective in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a major new review confirms. However, it also reveals a critical gap in research: The long-term effects of these widely prescribed medications remain unclear.

GAD, a condition characterized by excessive worry about various everyday issues, affects millions of people worldwide. Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are commonly prescribed for GAD.

Significant Relief

A Cochrane review analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials involving more than 12,000 participants, comparing the effectiveness of antidepressants to placebo.