Compare and Contrast Different Treatment Options for GAD

SSRIs, SNRIs, and Benzodiazepines are effective in managing GAD. A common SSRI, Sertraline (Zoloft), is a first-line treatment option for GAD due to its positive biological and psychological effects (Lux & Harry, 2021). Based on the evidence, Diazepam, a Benzodiazepine, has a higher efficacy than Imipramine, TCA. In a comparative efficacy study, benzodiazepines were noted to have better efficacy than antidepressants, making it more comparable to the action of first-line drug options belonging to the SSRIs and SNRIs classes (Du et al., 2021). Regardless, the choice of medication for GAD is based on the specific pathophysiology of the illness.

References

Du, Y., Du, B., Diao, Y., Yin, Z., Li, J., Shu, Y., Zhang, Z., & Chen, L. (2021). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for the treatment of panic disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 60, 102664. https://doi.