Editor's Choice
Some things to worry about
BMJ 2012; 345 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e8125 (Published 28 November 2012) Cite this as: BMJ 2012;345:e8125
- Fiona Godlee, editor, BMJ
- fgodlee{at}bmj.com
About one in 20 people will suffer from generalised anxiety disorder in their lifetime, but, according to the authors of this week’s Clinical Review, the condition is not well recognised in primary care (doi:10.1136/bmj.e7500). This matters because there are effective treatments that can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of major depression. Sufferers are often heavy users of primary care, so tackling underlying anxiety may reduce the burden on overstretched health services.
NICE guidance last year recommended a stepped care approach with a combination of drug and psychological treatments (BMJ 2011;342:c7460). In addition, Hoge and colleagues emphasise physical exercise, sleep hygiene, and …