A 46-year-old man with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has been receiving low-intensity psychological therapy (guided self-help) for 12 weeks with ...

Question

A 46-year-old man with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has been receiving low-intensity psychological therapy (guided self-help) for 12 weeks with limited benefit. He continues to have excessive, uncontrollable worry most days, impaired sleep and muscle tension. What is the next step in management according to NICE?

Accepted Answer

Offer high-intensity CBT or an SSRI such as Sertraline

Answer

Add a benzodiazepine such as Diazepam for long-term use

Answer

Discharge as treatment-resistant

Answer

Start an antipsychotic such as Olanzapine

Answer

Refer immediately for electroconvulsive therapy

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