Anxiety

Summary

The NICE anxiety clinical guideline covers the care of adults who have panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) or generalised anxiety disorder. The recommendations address:

• diagnosis
• medication
• psychological treatments
• self-care

The guideline does not cover the care of people with other anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder, which will be addressed in separate guidelines.

The guideline does not cover the care of people who have both anxiety and depression. NICE has also issued a guideline on depression.

Amendment of recommendations concerning venlafaxine: April 2007
On 31 May 2006 the MHRA issued revised prescribing advice for venlafaxine. This amendment brings the guideline into line with the new advice but does not cover other areas where new evidence may be available. NICE expects to make a decision on a full update later in 2007.

The amendments to the recommendations to take account of the revised prescribing advice for venlafaxine were developed by the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• CG22 Anxiety: Algorithm (management of generalised anxiety disorder)
• CG22 Anxiety: Algorithm (management of panic disorder)
• CG22 Anxiety: NICE guideline (amended)
• CG22 Anxiety: NICE guideline (amended) (Word version)
• CG22 Anxiety: Quick reference guide (amended)
• CG22 Anxiety: Full guideline, appendices 12 - 22
• CG22 Anxiety: Full guideline, appendices 5 - 11
• CG22 Anxiety: Full guideline, appendices 1 - 4
• CG22 Anxiety: Full guideline
• CG22 Anxiety: NICE guideline (Word version)
• CG22 Anxiety: Quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• CG22 Anxiety: Information for the public (amended)
• CG22 Anxiety: Information for the public

Background information

• CG22/23 Depression and Anxiety: questions and answers
• 2004/050 NICE guidelines to improve the treatment and care of people with depression and anxiety
• CG22 Anxiety: Distribution list
• Scope for Anxiety: management of generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) in adults in primary, secondary and community care

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy service commissioning guide