NRNP 6675 Week 9 Discussion: Prescribing for Older Adults and Pregnant Women Example 3 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

NRNP 6675 Week 9 Discussion: Prescribing for Older Adults and Pregnant Women Example 3

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

A prevalent mental health condition known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined by unwarranted and irrepressible worry about many different elements of life. Physical symptoms, including muscle tension, restlessness, and sleep difficulties, are also frequently present. The guidelines for GAD treatment in older persons will be the main topic of this study. GAD can significantly impact the quality of life in this population; hence, effective therapies are essential. FDA-approved pharmaceuticals, drugs taken off-label, and non-pharmacological therapy are the main treatments for GAD. This essay will offer suggestions for each category, consider risk assessment, discuss the availability of clinical practice guidelines, and cite reliable academic sources to support the recommendations.

FDA-Approved Medication

The class of medicines known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) stands out for the pharmacological aspect of treating GAD in older persons. Paroxetine (Paxil), one of these SSRIs, is suggested. It has been proven successful in easing anxiety symptoms in senior citizens. Due to their efficacy and often manageable adverse effect profile, SSRIs are considered a first-line treatment for GAD in older persons (Yohannes, Jin & Kunik, 2022). However, it is crucial to consider any hazards, particularly in a population with multiple comorbidities. Examples of such risks include the increased risk of falls brought on by dizziness and the potential for drug-drug interactions.

Buspirone is an off-label drug alternative that may be considered for treating GAD in older persons in addition to FDA-approved drugs. Buspirone has proven adequate and suitable tolerability in older persons with anxiety disorders despite not being FDA-approved, particularly for GAD (Garakani et al., 2021). Buspirone is particularly appealing since, in contrast to benzodiazepines, which can be more problematic in older populations, it has a lower risk of dependence and withdrawal. However, possible adverse effects like nausea, headaches, and vertigo should be closely watched.

Non-pharmacological approaches are essential in controlling GAD in older persons because they complement pharmacological therapies. A well-respected non-pharmacological technique is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which comes highly recommended. CBT is a valuable alternative for long-term symptom alleviation and enhanced coping abilities since it focuses on recognizing and correcting maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors linked to anxiety (Ellard, Bentley, Maimone & Uribe, 2023). The availability of certified CBT therapists may be restricted in some areas even though CBT has many advantages over medicine, including reduced chances of side effects.

Risk Assessment

In order to guide decision-making, it is crucial to undertake a thorough risk assessment when weighing the advantages and disadvantages of various Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) therapy choices in older persons. The benefits of the FDA-approved drug Paroxetine (Paxil) include its demonstrated effectiveness in lowering anxiety symptoms, enhancing quality of life, and increasing functional ability in older persons (Yohannes, Jin & Kunik, 2022). In comparison to more traditional antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs often have a more favorable side effect profile, which makes them a good option. However, potential dangers should be considered, particularly in older persons with several comorbidities, such as an increased risk of falls due to dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, and the potential for drug-drug interactions. These possible adverse effects should be carefully examined as a portion of the risk valuation, paying close regard to the patient’s medical history, existing medications, and personal tolerance.

Contrarily, the off-label medication buspirone has several advantages, including its efficiency in lowering anxiety symptoms without the danger of side effects associated with benzodiazepines, such as drowsiness and dependence. Buspirone may also be less likely to cause falls, which is essential to consider in older persons since they are more prone to sustaining injuries from falls. Buspirone does, however, carry specific possible hazards, such as unpleasant side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Although it has a reduced risk of dependence than benzodiazepines, it could not work as quickly to treat acute anxiety symptoms. Therefore, considering each patient’s unique needs and preferences, the risk assessment for buspirone should compare these potential adverse effects against its advantages.

Existence of Clinical Practice Guidelines