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Can Long-Term Pharmacotherapy Prevent Relapses in Generalized Anxiety Disorder? A Systematic Review

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Abstract

Background and Objectives

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a persistent anxiety disorder with a high rate of relapse. While several trials have demonstrated the efficacy of pharmacotherapy for GAD treatment, fewer studies have investigated its efficacy in preventing symptom relapse in long-term treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate if long-term pharmacotherapy may prevent relapses in GAD patients.

Methods

This is a systematic review of the relapse prevention trials with GAD patients.

Results

Eight trials were included in this review with 5304 patients in total. All patients showed a higher risk of relapse if treatment was not maintained for at least 6 months after remission, with hazard ratios ranging from 0.12 to 0.58 and mostly moderate effect sizes (0.19–1.06).

Conclusion

Long-term pharmacotherapy may prevent symptom relapse in GAD patients. As the relapse rate is very high, the data support the continuation of pharmacotherapy for as long as possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, R. Timóteo da Costa 444/604, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22440-034, Brazil

    Marina Dyskant Mochcovitch, Rafael Christophe da Rocha Freire, Rafael Ferreira Garcia & Antonio Egidio Nardi

Authors
  1. Marina Dyskant Mochcovitch
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  2. Rafael Christophe da Rocha Freire
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  3. Rafael Ferreira Garcia
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  4. Antonio Egidio Nardi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marina Dyskant Mochcovitch.

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Funding

This study is supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), an agency of Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI).

Conflict of interest

The authors have no financial relationship or special conflict of interest to disclose.

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Mochcovitch, M.D., da Rocha Freire, R.C., Garcia, R.F. et al. Can Long-Term Pharmacotherapy Prevent Relapses in Generalized Anxiety Disorder? A Systematic Review. Clin Drug Investig 37, 737–743 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-017-0528-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40261-017-0528-x

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