Prescribing for Older Adults and Pregnant Women From the DSM-V,

Prescribing for Older Adults and Pregnant Women From the DSM-V, one of the most common disabling mental disorders among the elderly is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is characterized by persistent and recurrent fear or worry, leading to racing thoughts and feeling hopeless (Andreescu & Lee, 2020). However, through evidence-based practice, several treatment options have been outlined in clinical practice guidelines to help manage this disorder among this vulnerable population. The purpose of this discussion is to illustrate the FDA-approved and non-FDA approved “off-label” medication for GAD among older adults in addition to their associated risks and benefits to the patient. FDA-Approved Medication The FDA recommends the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram, as the first line for the management of GAD among elderly patients. Due to the desirable safety profile and effectiveness in the management of anxiety symptoms among these vulnerable populations, several clinical guidelines such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on GAD and PD also recommend the use of escitalopram