How to treat subsyndromal anxiety disorder - practical recommendations for implementation in primary care.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anxiety is a common and disabling condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Subsyndromal anxiety (SSA) refers to anxiety symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder but pose a risk for developing such disorders. We aimed to provide practical recommendations for the treatment of SSA in primary care settings. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted to identify strategies for recognizing and treating patients with SSA. RESULTS: The recommendations for treating SSA include lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress reduction techniques, psychotherapy, and pharmacological treatments, including natural compounds like the lavender oil extract Silexan. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor treatment response and address ongoing symptoms. Additionally, the use of the GAD-7 tool is recommended for accurately identifying patients with SSA. CONCLUSION: Implementing these recommendations in primary care can lead to effective treatment of SSA, preventing the development of more severe anxiety disorders. An integrative approach, combining lifestyle modifications, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, including natural compounds, offers significant benefits for managing anxiety.

Anxiety is prevalent and disablingSubsyndromal anxiety is a risk factor for anxiety disordersSubsyndromal anxiety can be assessed with the GAD-7 (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 scale)Subsyndromal anxiety can be treated with life-style modification, psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment, including silexan, a natural compound.