COMPARING AND CONTRASTING PHARMACOLOGIC OPTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

COMPARING AND CONTRASTING PHARMACOLOGIC OPTIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
Psychological disorders, such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders can present several complications for patients of all ages. These disorders affect patients physically and emotionally, potentially impacting judgment, school and/or job performance, and relationships with family and friends. Since these disorders have many drastic effects on patients’ lives, it is important for advanced practice nurses to effectively manage patient care. With patient factors and medical history in mind, it is the advanced practice nurse’s responsibility to ensure the safe and effective diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with psychological disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a psychological condition that affects 6.1 million Americans, or 3.1% of the US Population. Despite several treatment options, only 43.2% of those suffering from GAD receive treatment. This week you will review several different classes of medication used in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. You will examine potential impacts of pharmacotherapeutics used in the treatment of GAD. Please focus your assignment on FDA approved indications when referring to different medication classes used in the treatment of GAD.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. WEEKLY RESOURCES
To Prepare:
Review the Resources for this module and consider the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Reflect on your experiences, observations, and/or clinical practices from the last 5 years and think about how pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors altered his or her anticipated response to a drug.
Consider factors that might have influenced the patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes, such as genetics (including pharmacogenetics), gender, ethnicity, age, behavior, and/or possible pathophysiological changes due to disease.
Think about a personalized plan of care based on these influencing factors and patient history with GAD.
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 8
Post a discussion of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to anxiolytic medications used to treat GAD. In your discussion, utilizing the discussion highlights, compare and contrast different treatment options that can be used.
Resources Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Chapter 26, “Antipsychotic Agents and Their Use in Schizophrenia” (pp. 203–213)
Chapter 27, “Antidepressants” (pp. 214–226)
Chapter 28, “Drugs for Bipolar Disorder” (pp. 228–233)
Chapter 29, “Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs” (pp. 234–242)
Chapter 30, “Management of Anxiety Disorders” (pp. 243–247)
Chapter 31, “Central Nervous System Stimulants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” (pp. 248–254)
MUST BE IN APA
MUST HAVE AT LEAST 3 references References must be less than 5 years
ANSWER
**Introduction**
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder in the United States, affecting approximately 6.8 million adults (3.2% of the population) ages 18 and older each year. GAD is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that occurs most days of the week for at least 6 months. People with GAD may experience a variety of physical symptoms, such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. GAD can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to work, go to school, and maintain relationships.
There are a number of different treatment options available for GAD, including psychotherapy, medication, and a combination of both. Medication can be an effective treatment for GAD, but it is important to choose the right medication and dose for each individual. Some of the most commonly used medications for GAD include:
* **Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)**: SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and are considered to be the first-line treatment for GAD.
* **Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)**: SNRIs work by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation. SNRIs are also effective in treating GAD and may be a good option for people who do not respond to SSRIs.
* **Benzodiazepines**: Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that are effective at relieving anxiety symptoms. However, benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and should only be used for short-term treatment of GAD.
**Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Anxiolytic Medications**
Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs interact with their target receptors and produce their effects.
**Absorption**
SSRIs and SNRIs are well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Benzodiazepines are also well-absorbed, but they can be more rapidly absorbed when taken orally than when taken sublingually or rectally.
**Distribution**
SSRIs and SNRIs are widely distributed throughout the body, including the brain. Benzodiazepines are also widely distributed, but they have a higher affinity for the brain than SSRIs and SNRIs.
**Metabolism**
SSRIs and SNRIs are metabolized by the liver. Benzodiazepines are also metabolized by the liver, but they can also be metabolized by other tissues, such as the kidneys.
**Excretion**
SSRIs and SNRIs are excreted in the urine and feces. Benzodiazepines are also excreted in the urine and feces, but they can also be excreted in the breast milk.
**Target Receptors**
SSRIs and SNRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation. Benzodiazepines work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that has inhibitory effects on the nervous system.
**Onset of Action**
SSRIs and SNRIs typically take several weeks to start working. Benzodiazepines, on the other hand, start working very quickly.
**Duration of Action**
SSRIs and SNRIs have a long duration of action, typically lasting for 12-24 hours. Benzodiazepines have a shorter duration of action, typically lasting for 4-6 hours.
**Side Effects**
SSRIs and SNRIs are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Benzodiazepines can also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
**Comparison of Different Treatment Options**
**SSRIs and SNRIs**
SSRIs and SNRIs are the first-line treatment for GAD. They are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of abuse and dependence. However, they can take several weeks to start working and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness.
**Benzodiazepines**
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that are effective at relieving anxiety symptoms. However, they can be habit-forming and should only be used for short-term treatment of GAD. Benzodiazepines can also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
**Other Treatment Options**
Other treatment options for GAD include psychotherapy and a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help people to understand and manage their anxiety symptoms. A combination of medication and psychotherapy is often the most effective treatment for GAD.
**Conclusion**
There are a number of different treatment options available for GAD