Diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders - guidelines for family medicine physicians

Abstract:

A fast pace of life and an uncertain future increasingly burden modern people. Fear and anxiety are emotions that increasingly lead patients to their family physicians. A family physician needs to separate fear, or temporary anxiety that accompanies chronic illnesses and complex life situations, from anxiety disorders. Other than astructured interview, there are questionnaires for the screening of anxiety disorders. A family medicine physician can independently treat anxiety disorders. Regarding pharmacological treatment, it is possible to administer proper medications that do not require a psychiatrist’s recommendation. The family medicine specialist will provide psychological support to the patient suffering from anxiety. If the family medicine physician is further educated, even a psychotherapy may be offered. In cases of more severe forms of anxiety disorders, the appearance of symptoms of psychosis, suspicion of suicidality, and lack of response to prescribed treatment, the family doctor should consult a psychiatrist. 

Key words:
anxiety; anxiety disorders; family physician