A 72-year-old woman presents with generalised anxiety and insomnia for several months related to family stress. She has no major depressive symptoms, ...

Question

A 72-year-old woman presents with generalised anxiety and insomnia for several months related to family stress. She has no major depressive symptoms, no substance use and no suicidal ideation. What is the most appropriate first-line management?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioural therapy and consideration of an SSRI if psychological therapy alone insufficient

Answer

Long-term benzodiazepine therapy

Answer

High-dose antipsychotic medication

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy

Answer

No treatment; this is normal ageing

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Generalised anxiety disorder

A 72-year-old woman presents with generalised anxiety and insomnia for several months related to family stress. She has no major depressive symptoms, no substance use and no suicidal ideation. What is the most appropriate first-line management?