Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management

Recommendation ID: CG113/1
Question: What is the relative effectiveness of sertraline compared with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in people with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) that has not responded to guided self-help and psychoeducation in a stepped-care model?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- Both sertraline and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are efficacious in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) but their relative efficacy has not been compared. In a stepped-care model both CBT and sertraline are treatment options if step 2 interventions (guided self-help and/or psychoeducation) have not resulted in a satisfactory clinical response. At present, however, there are no randomised trial data to help prioritise
next-step treatments and no information on how individuals with GAD may be matched to particular therapies. Clarification of the relative short- and longer-term benefits of sertraline and CBT would be helpful in guiding treatment.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance: Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management
Number: CG113
Date issued: January 2011

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No