[Pharmacotherapy of anxiety disorders].

Many out-patients suffer from anxiety disorders which can be diagnosed and treated pharmacologically by the family doctor. In a study of our own, including 500 outpatients with actual complaints being not sufficiently explainable by physical findings, we could diagnose anxiety disorders according to DMS-III-R in 21% of the cases (9). Knowing the basic diagnostic rules, which differentiate between the different types of anxiety disorders, a differential and rational treatment with benzodiazepines, antidepressants and neuroleptics is possible. Knowing the typical risks, applying the correct rules of indication, and accepting the counselling of a psychiatrist when necessary, the family doctor will be able to undertake a qualified primary pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders.