GAD 是一种慢性、非缓解性和复发性疾病,一般需要长期治疗。[31]Pary R, Matuschka PR, Lewis S. Generalized anxiety disorder. South Med J. 2003 Jun;96(6):581-6.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12938785?tool=bestpractice.com 经过6至8周的短期试验性药物治疗后,有效的治疗应持续至少12个月。在此期间需要密切关注患者症状变化以明确疗效。根据疗效监测结果可尝试减药,如果症状反复则应恢复原本用药方案。[30]Fricchione G. Generalized anxiety disorder. N Engl J Med. 2004 Aug 12;351(7):675-82.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15306669?tool=bestpractice.com 部分在短期治疗有效的药物对于预防复发也同样有效。[109]Davidson JR, Wittchen HU, Llorca PM, et al. Duloxetine treatment for relapse prevention in adults with generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008 Sep;18(9):673-81.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18559291?tool=bestpractice.com[110]Feltner D, Wittchen HU, Kavoussi R, et al. Long-term efficacy of pregabalin in generalized anxiety disorder. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2008 Jan;23(1):18-28.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18090504?tool=bestpractice.com