Anti-anxiety agents: A pharmacoepidemiological review

The purpose of this review is to broaden the base for informed policy and t o identify research issues to improve the utility of anti-anxiety agents. D ata quality is discussed and the prevalence of morbid anxiety and the expos ure to treatment with, and abuse of, anti-anxiety agents in different popul ations is presented. Findings concerning undertreatment, quality of life an d misdiagnosing are also discussed. Based on the findings of this review, c ontrolled studies of anti-anxiety treatments in anxious patients with cardi ovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or other chronic somatic conditions sh ould be prioritised. These are likely to show substantial and vital benefit s by not only controlling symptoms and improving coping capacity, but also by improving social functioning and somatic disease management. Investing i n improved detection and management of patients with anxious and/or depress ive disorders in many forms of care will pay rapid direct and indirect divi dends. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.