Medications taken for depression are also effective for treating generalised anxiety disorder, a major review has found.
Antidepressants such as Prozac are already used to treat the condition but Canadian and Italian scientists set out to analyse new evidence to assess the drugs’ effectiveness.
In a Cochrane review, which analysed data from over 12,000 patients, the team found those who took the drugs were 41 per cent more likely to see a reduction in their symptoms, compared to a placebo group.
Around one in 50 Brits are estimated to suffer with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) – mostly women.
The most common symptom is frequent stress or worry about aspects of everyday life, but other signs include insomnia, problems concentrating, stomach upset, heart palpitations, feeling faint and depression.
The drugs were considered effective if those taking them reported a 50 per cent reduction in their Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale scores while taking the medication.
This system asks those with GAD to state to what extent they experience 14 telltale symptoms, such as insomnia and muscular twitches, on scale of zero to four.
Experts have welcomed the findings, said to be a ‘comprehensive, long-awaited update on the efficacy of antidepressants’ for GAD.
Professor Katharina Domschke, an expert in psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University of Freiburg in Germany, said the results ‘ought to increase patients’ trust in the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of generalized anxiety disorder’.
Medications taken for depression are also effective for treating generalised anxiety disorder, a major review has found
Researchers looked at studies that tested a variety of antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and specific drugs such as vilazodone and agomelatine.
SSRIs were found to be some 15 per cent more effective than SNRIs, which include duloxetine and venlafaxine.
Some independent experts have cautioned that further research is needed to establish the long-term effects of mind-altering drugs on the brain.
Some antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been linked to long-term and even permanent sexual problems in previous studies.
Professor Peter Tyrer, an expert in community psychiatry at Imperial College London, said: ‘The findings of this review are unequivocal – antidepressants are effective in the treatment of generalised anxiety in the short-term.
‘But in responding to this evidence the long-term implications have to be considered also.
‘Long-term treatment, as noted in the review, is often the norm, and there is increasing concern that patients have difficulties in stopping antidepressants because of withdrawal problems.
‘Brief resolution does not effect a cure.’
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition with about one in 50 people estimated to have it any one time, with women three times as likely to have it than men
The findings of the review come after NHS data suggested about one in six people in England are now taking antidepressants.
Health service figures for 2023/24 show a record 8.7million people in England, about 15 per cent of the total population, are now on the mood-boosting drugs – a 26 per cent rise compared to eight years prior.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for GAD.
Examples of SSRIs include citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline, sometimes known by brand names Cipramil, Prozac and Lustral.
However, they have been linked to sexual dysfunction in those who take them.
This NHS data shows the number of Brits taking each type of antidepressant medication over the past eight years. The line with the green triangles indicates the the total number of patients
The NHS has warned that side effects such as a loss of libido and achieving orgasm, lower sperm count and erectile dysfunction ‘can persist’ after taking them – and patients have described having relationships wrecked from their use.
Such research isn’t clear-cut however, with experts pointing out such trends could be due to the patients suffering from the depression the drugs are designed to alleviate, rather than the medication itself.
Most medics, and the NHS, consider the use of SSRIs for depression, particularly persistent or severe cases, worthwhile given the debilitating nature of the condition and the risk of self harm and suicide.
People with depression are thought to have low levels of serotonin, though there is scientific debate over this, and SSRIs combat this by boosting these levels.
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However, some experts suspect that the drugs could be causing too much serotonin to be released, with consequences for people’s health.
Psychiatrists advise patients concerned about the side effects of antidepressants to talk to their medical professional about their options.
Clinicians can sometimes offer an alternative dose, a different drug, or prescribe another medication to combat the side effects.
They urge patients who are taking them not to quit without talking to the medical professional responsible for their care first to ensure they are adequately supported.
Treatment for GAD usually consists of a combination of therapy and antidepressants.
The NHS says feelings of anxiety are common and most episodes are not GAD.
However, those who feel anxious most of the time and who are seeing it impact aspects of their everyday life should contact their GP.
