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Anxiolytics

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Clinical Psychopharmacology for Neurologists

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Abstract

Anxiety is a frequent comorbid illness with neurological disorders. This chapter looks at the most common anxiolytics currently used and gives guidance in their proper use. The mainstays of long-term treatment in any of the anxiety disorders are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Acute treatment relies on benzodiazepines. Despite the effectiveness of the SSRIs and SNRIs, other medications are commonly used. Patient features which are prominent in the decision on which agent to use and patient features most commonly experienced in clinical practice are discussed. The nuances and rationales for various medications are reviewed. Additionally, the use of adjunctive medications is examined.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience and Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    David A. Beck MD

  2. Maryville University, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Christine L. Beck RN, BSN, FNP Candidate 2019

Authors
  1. David A. Beck MD
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  2. Christine L. Beck RN, BSN, FNP Candidate 2019
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David A. Beck MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor & Director, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    George T. Grossberg

  2. Co-Director of Neurology, SSM Neuroscience Institute, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    Laurence J. Kinsella

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Beck, D.A., Beck, C.L. (2018). Anxiolytics. In: Grossberg, G., Kinsella, L. (eds) Clinical Psychopharmacology for Neurologists. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74604-3_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-74604-3_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-74602-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-74604-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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