A 30-year-old woman presents with palpitations, sweating and constant worrying for months. She has difficulty sleeping but no depressive symptoms. She...

Question

A 30-year-old woman presents with palpitations, sweating and constant worrying for months. She has difficulty sleeping but no depressive symptoms. She asks for tablets to “”calm her nerves””. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Explain that benzodiazepines are not recommended long-term and offer cognitive behavioural therapy and consider an SSRI

Answer

Prescribe long-term benzodiazepines for daily use

Answer

Offer a short course (2–4 weeks) of benzodiazepines as first-line treatment

Answer

Start antipsychotic medication

Answer

Arrange urgent compulsory admission under the Mental Health Act

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Generalised anxiety disorder

A 30-year-old woman presents with palpitations, sweating and constant worrying for months. She has difficulty sleeping but no depressive symptoms. She asks for tablets to “”calm her nerves””. What is the most appropriate initial management?