Pharmacotherapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Essay Assignment

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental disorder among the American population. Approximately 20% of its population is affected by GAD annually. The condition prompts constant feelings of fear, worry, and overwhelmed which results in excessive and persistent worry about many issues (Munir & Takov, 2022) The DSM-V is used in the diagnosis of GAD while its treatment may take a therapeutic or medication approach. Providers must consider the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic factors when prescribing medication. Pharmacotherapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Essay Assignment

Pharmacokinetic

Anxiolytics are examples of medications used in the treatment of GAD which may include beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and barbiturates (Strawn et al., 2018). Benzodiazepines are common anti-anxiety drugs given as they have anticonvulsant, sedative, and myorelaxant properties. Before administration, a patient must be informed of the duration and possible side effects. The patient must also be assessed after a month to determine whether the drug was effective or if to discontinue with the treatment.   When considering the drug’s pharmacokinetics and metabolism, it is important to note they are easily absorbed into the system, which is attributed to its constant dissociation and lipophilic nature. Benzodiazepine drugs are also insoluble in water and thus must be administered in parental form.

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Pharmacodynamics

The benzodiazepines are bound by a molecular component of GABAa, a receptor in the central nervous system. The drug is mostly used to treat short-term anxiety, however, if a patient has a history of alcohol and substance abuse, then they cannot be used because of their habit-forming nature (Garakani et al., 2020). Benzodiazepines can be used as a treatment for severe heart disease and suicidality. Benzodiazepines can be used alongside SSRIs that help in the commencement of antidepressant efficacy.

References

Garakani, A., Murrough, J., Freire, R., Thom, R., Larkin, K., Buono, F., & Iosifescu, D. (2020). Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584

Munir, S., & Takov, V. (2022). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Pharmacotherapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Essay Assignment

Strawn, J., Geracioti, L., Rajdev, N., Clemenza, K., & Levine, A. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review. Expert Opinion On Pharmacotherapy, 19(10), 1057-1070. https://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a psychological condition that affects 6.1 million Americans, or 3.1% of the US Population. Despite several treatment options, only 43.2% of those suffering from GAD receive treatment. This week you will review several different classes of medication used in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. You will examine potential impacts of pharmacotherapeutics used in the treatment of GAD. Please focus your assignment on FDA approved indications when referring to different medication classes used in the treatment of GAD.

To Prepare
Review the Resources for this module and consider the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Reflect on your experiences, observations, and/or clinical practices from the last 5 years and think about how pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors altered his or her anticipated response to a drug.
Consider factors that might have influenced the patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes, such as genetics (including pharmacogenetics), gender, ethnicity, age, behavior, and/or possible pathophysiological changes due to disease.
Think about a personalized plan of care based on these influencing factors and patient history with GAD. Pharmacotherapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Essay Assignment

By Day 3 of Week 8
Post a discussion of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to anxiolytic medications used to treat GAD. In your discussion, utilizing the discussion highlights, compare and contrast different treatment options that can be used. Pharmacotherapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Essay Assignment