A Proposed Algorithm for the Pharmacological Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the Older Patient

Abstract

Background

This is a new algorithm from the Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project at the Harvard South Shore Program, focused on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults. Pertinent articles were identified and reviewed.

Results

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered to be first-line medications, with a preference for sertraline or escitalopram. If avoiding sexual side effects is a priority, buspirone is an option for the relatively healthy older adult. If response is inadequate, the second recommended trial is with a different SSRI or one of the serotonin-norepinephrine update inhibitors (SNRIs), venlafaxine or duloxetine. For a third medication trial, additional alternatives added to the previous options now include pregabalin/gabapentin, lavender oil, and agomelatine. If there is an unsatisfactory response to the third option chosen, quetiapine may be considered. We recommend caution with the following for acute treatment in this population: benzodiazepines and hydroxyzine. Other agents given low priority but having some supportive evidence were vilazodone, vortioxetine, mirtazapine, and cannabidiol. Acknowledging that the median age of onset of GAD is in early adulthood, many patients with GAD will have been started on benzodiazepines (or other medications that require caution in the elderly) for GAD at a younger age. These medications may be continued with regular observation to see if the potential harms are starting to exceed the benefits and a switch to other recommended agents may be justified.