7 responses to “Diagnosis of anxiety conditions in primary care: Part 1”

  1. WOW! I like the algorithm

  2. I was hoping to see more on using mindfulness based practices for anxiety.

  3. Response to Chad:
    While CBT is considered the first line psychotherapy for anxiety conditions there is certainly a role for mindfulness based psychotherapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for some patients. Under the Patient Resource section there are some links to mindfulness PDFs and audio clips as well as a reference to a self-help book based on ACT.

  4. “However, in certain scenarios it may be worth screening for anxiety, including when a patient presents with anxiety symptoms, unexplained physical symptoms, depression or substance use problems. A history of trauma or extreme psychosocial adversity could also warrant screening.” Evaluating individuals with anxiety symptoms for an anxiety disorder is not screening. The author correctly states that universal screening for anxiety isn’t of value because it doesn’t improve outcomes.

  5. I found the structure of the Ottawa Anxiety Algorithm easy to follow and tool guideline helpful

  6. Great algorithm. There is a big missing piece in treatment options.

    This should be included:

    Transcranial magnetic stimulation is missing. This FDA and Health Canada approved treatment modality has significant benefit for anxiety.

  7. Response to Paul Harris:
    Thanks for your comment about TMS. Currently it is not a standard treatment for anxiety conditions and can be very expensive if not covered by the provincial health plan as is the case in many provinces. It could be tried in refractory cases however if nothing else has worked.

Leave a Reply