Abstract
Anxiety and anxiety disorders are addressed in the practice guideline of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG). It is important to distinguish anxiety and anxiety disorders because of differences in prognosis and treatment. Several visits may be needed before the diagnosis is established. Treatment is based on a stepped-care model. For anxiety, psychoeducation and follow-up visits are often sufficient. For anxiety disorders with relatively low levels of distress or social dysfunctioning, self-help with supervision in addition to psychoeducation is helpful. If this is not effective or if there is severe distress or social dysfunctioning, cognitive behavioural therapy is the first choice treatment. An antidepressant could be started after or in addition to cognitive behavioural therapy. If an antidepressant is prescribed, SSRIs are preferred above tricyclic antidepressants because of the lesser risk of severe adverse effects.
