This article provides an overview of the use of paroxetine in the treatment of anxiety disorders in patients of the general practitioner. The efficacy and safety of paroxetine have been studied in several anxiety disorders. The epidemiology, diagnosis, and course of agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder are discussed briefly. Current available data on the safety and efficacy of paroxetine based on double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and open-label studies for the treatment of anxiety disorders are reviewed. Clinical guidelines for the use of paroxetine and recommendations regarding future directions of study are discussed.

        Key words: anxiety disorders - diagnosis - treatment - paroxetine.