Paper I
2023 January (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

Anxiety disorders.

Q124 marksShort Answers

Answer

Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias) are treated with several drug classes, chosen by acuity and chronicity:

  • SSRIs (Sertraline, Escitalopram) — first-line for chronic/long-term management, given their favorable safety profile and lack of dependence potential; delayed onset of benefit (weeks).
  • SNRIs (Venlafaxine, Duloxetine) — alternative first-line agents, particularly for generalized anxiety disorder.
  • Benzodiazepines (Diazepam, Alprazolam) — rapid symptomatic relief via GABA-A receptor potentiation; used short-term/as-needed given tolerance and dependence risk with prolonged use, not for chronic maintenance.
  • Buspirone — a 5-HT1A partial agonist, non-sedating, non-dependence-forming alternative for generalized anxiety disorder, though with a slower onset than benzodiazepines.
  • Beta-blockers (Propranolol) — control peripheral somatic symptoms (tremor, palpitations) in performance/situational anxiety, without addressing the psychological component.

Other Years Asked


Revise MBBS
Preview