New drugs. Hypnotics and anxiolytics.

Anxiolytics Anxiety is a normal reaction but when severe and disabling it becomes pathological. Phobias are distinguished from anxiety, and some classifications also separate panic attacks. Patients should be assessed carefully to detect associated problems in their lives and to seek evidence of underlying illness, such as depression and organic brain disease, that may present as anxiety. Conversely it should be remembered that some patients presenting with anxiety have an underlying physical illness. Drugs are often not necessary to treat neurotic anxiety, and in many instances a simple form of psychotherapy or sometimes behaviour therapy may succeed.