PHARMACEUTICAL CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

Abstract

Anxiety disorders that occur at mental levels are grouped within the International Classification of Diseases and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Although symptoms can vary greatly, these disorders are characterized, most of the time, by an association of negative thoughts and emotions, excessive worries, extreme irritability, and impairments in daily life. According to the World Health Organization, they result from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Biological factors involve the relationship between the disease and anatomical changes and abnormalities in neural circuits. Psychological factors involve a sense of extreme fear that can even incapacitate the individual, as well as excessive and difficult-to-control anxiety and worry. These symptoms end up affecting the patient's family and close friends, even impacting their professional life. Thus, social factors are also involved. This study aims to understand how pharmaceutical care can beneficially contribute to the treatment of patients with anxiety disorders. It consists of a narrative review of scientific articles found on research websites. As a result, the pharmacist's role in managing pharmacotherapy was observed, aiming to promote adherence to pharmacological treatment, ensuring its effectiveness and safety, and contributing to reducing adverse effects, ultimately seeking to improve the patient's quality of life. It is therefore concluded that the pharmacist plays an important role in the treatment of patients with anxiety disorders.