A 26-year-old man attends the GP with symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder. He experiences excessive worry most days, with muscle tension and poor...

Question

A 26-year-old man attends the GP with symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder. He experiences excessive worry most days, with muscle tension and poor sleep. He has tried self-help resources with little benefit. There is no depression or substance misuse. What is the most appropriate first-line treatment option?

Accepted Answer

Offer high-intensity psychological therapy such as CBT

Answer

Start long-term benzodiazepine therapy

Answer

Prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant as first-line

Answer

Refer urgently to secondary care psychiatry as an emergency

Answer

Advise no treatment is necessary

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Generalised anxiety disorder