Muntingh Anna D T, Batelaan Neeltje M, van Balkom Anton J L M
Amsterdam UMC, locatie VUmc, afd. Psychiatrie.
Contact: A.D.T. Muntingh (
Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2019 Feb 15;163:D2785.
Because the risk of relapse is high in anxiety disorders, it is important to bear in mind long-term prospects when making treatment decisions. This means that patients may need 'booster' treatment or continuous antidepressant medication to achieve long-term positive outcomes. Preparing a patient for a possible relapse in the end phase of a successful treatment, especially when there is a desire to discontinue the use of antidepressants, or timely intervention in case of an actual relapse episode is crucial to prevent recurrence of the anxiety disorder.