Diagnosis and management of anxiety in primary care

This article explores the wide range of assessment methods available to assist in the identification of anxiety and related disorders in primary care. A range of effective interventions is discussed, including psychosocial and pharmacological interventions with reference to evidence-based guidelines. The significance of effective partnership working is also highlighted in contributing towards best practice and improved outcomes (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2004; Barker, 2009). The article will mostly focus on generalized anxiety disorder, which appears to be closer to depression than any other anxiety disorder.