Commentary on RANZCP clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder

Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder are among the most highly prevalent psychiatric disorders (Baxter et al., 2013). Despite the significant levels of disability and distress associated with anxiety disorders, the RANZCP clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder (Andrews et al., 2018) appropriately acknowledge that anxiety occurs on a spectrum from normal to pathological. The guidelines emphasise the importance of psychoeducation, lifestyle change and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), thus empowering both patients and clinicians.