Current status of anxiolytic drugs

Anxiety disorders commonly seen in primary care are characterized by psycho logical and physical symptoms of disabling anxiety. However, they are often unrecognized and under-diagnosed. Because of the dearth of trained therapi sts, pharmacotherapy remains the most widespread form of treatment. Newer a nti-anxiety drugs have been developed that are more effective with a better side-effect profile. In this article, the various anxiety disorders are de scribed together with their appropriate pharmacotherapy.