A 45-year-old woman with Generalized Anxiety Disorder achieves full remission of symptoms on escitalopram 20 mg daily after 10 weeks. She has no side effects. According to current clinical guidelines, for how long should this medication be continued after remission to prevent relapse?
- A 1 to 2 months
- B 3 to 4 months
- C 6 to 12 months ✓
- D 18 to 24 months
Correct answer: C. 6 to 12 months
Explanation
Guidelines recommend continuing antidepressant therapy for at least 6 to 12 months after remission in GAD to prevent relapse. Stopping at 1 to 2 months (Option A) is too early, as symptom resolution precedes full biological stabilization. While some chronic or severe cases might require longer maintenance, 6 to 12 months is the standard minimum for a first episode.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 12th ed.
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