A Survey in the Treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder and Comorbid Major Depression by Venezuelan Psychiatrists

Abstract

Introduction

Anxiety disorders and depression are major world-wide health problems. In the US National Comorbidity Survey, lifetime prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders were 28.8% and 20.8%, respectively ¹. High levels of comorbidity are seen between anxiety disorders and major depression (MD) ² It is well reported that indi-viduals with comorbid generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and MD are significantly more likely to remain symptomatic than individuals with depression or generalised anxiety disorder alone ³

Objectives

To investigate the use of different pharmacological strategies in the management of GAD and MD.

Aims

To gain insight into the local current management of GAD and comorbid MD by Venezuelan psychiatrists, as well as comparing the correlation with international recommendations.

Methods

This survey was conducted recently at a National Psychiatric meeting in Caracas. A 27-item questionnaire, developed to investigate the different treatment strategies, was completed by 100 psychiatrists during a presentation of clinical cases, with the model of key-pad.

Results

80% prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 70% prescribed an SSRI plus benzodiazepines (BZD); in addition, 80% favoured a combined approach, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was the psychological treatment most commonly used (60%).

Conclusions

The survey shows that the majority of participants prefer a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy as first-line treatment strategy. Reported practice in this sample for the pharmacological approach, appears consistent with recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. The main drawback of the study is the small number of participants.