Patient discussions
Involve the patient and their significant others in the choice of treatment. Talk to them, and provide information about the nature of GAD and the treatment options available, taking into account any comorbidities.
If anxiety is accompanied by depression (especially with suicidal thoughts), or if drug or alcohol misuse is present, advise patients that they should seek medical help for symptoms of anxiety that cause significant distress, or impairment in functioning.
When starting an antidepressant for GAD, inform the patient about possible adverse effects, and explain that, although potentially unpleasant, they are not physically harmful. Explain that any new treatment or increase in dosage is likely to take 2-4 weeks to take effect.[21]
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