Which of the following drug types is most indicated for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder?

• A. SSRI
• B. Tricyclic antidepressant
• C. Benzodiazepine
• D. MAO inhibitor

Answer: (C)

For the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are considered the first-line pharmacological treatment. SSRIs, such as escitalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Benzodiazepines are often used for short-term management of anxiety due to their rapid anxiolytic effects, but they are not considered a first-line treatment for GAD due to the potential for dependence and tolerance with long-term use. While tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors can also be effective for certain anxiety disorders, they are generally not first-line treatments for GAD, as they may have more side effects and require more monitoring.

Thus, SSRIs are the most indicated drug type for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, given their efficacy and more favorable side effect profile compared to benzodiazepines and other older classes of medications.