Which statement best describes pharmacological treatment outcomes for anxiety disorders?

Which statement best describes pharmacological treatment outcomes for anxiety disorders?

• A. All participants respond positively
• B. Withdrawal of medications produces high relapse rates
• C. It cures most anxiety disorders
• D. There is no relapse after discontinuation

Answer: (B)

Pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders is effective at reducing symptoms while a medication is being taken, but it usually does not cure the underlying condition. When the drug is discontinued, many people experience a return of anxiety symptoms, sometimes quickly, leading to relapse. This pattern shows why the statement about withdrawal leading to high relapse rates is the best description: meds help during use, but stopping them often allows the disorder to re-emerge. Relapse risk can be influenced by factors like how long treatment lasts, whether tapering is gradual, and whether therapy is combined with medication. Maintenance therapy may help some patients stay stable, and adding psychotherapy can further reduce relapse risk. The other choices fall short because responses vary, meds don’t universally cure anxiety, and relapse after stopping medication is a well-documented possibility.

Pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders is effective at reducing symptoms while a medication is being taken, but it usually does not cure the underlying condition. When the drug is discontinued, many people experience a return of anxiety symptoms, sometimes quickly, leading to relapse. This pattern shows why the statement about withdrawal leading to high relapse rates is the best description: meds help during use, but stopping them often allows the disorder to re-emerge.

Relapse risk can be influenced by factors like how long treatment lasts, whether tapering is gradual, and whether therapy is combined with medication. Maintenance therapy may help some patients stay stable, and adding psychotherapy can further reduce relapse risk. The other choices fall short because responses vary, meds don’t universally cure anxiety, and relapse after stopping medication is a well-documented possibility.