From the Research
Prednisone is not recommended for treating anxiety, as it can worsen anxiety symptoms and has numerous side effects, including mood changes, insomnia, and increased risk of infection. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, recommends treating anxiety disorders with psychological therapy, pharmacotherapy, or a combination of both, with cognitive behavioral therapy being the psychotherapy with the highest level of evidence. First-line drugs for anxiety treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, not prednisone.
Some key points to consider when treating anxiety include:
- Anxiety disorders should be treated with evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, as recommended by 1 and 2.
- Benzodiazepines, like lorazepam, may be used for short-term anxiety treatment, but they are not recommended for routine use due to the risk of dependence and other side effects, as noted in 1 and 3.
- Other treatment options, such as buspirone, pregabalin, and tricyclic antidepressants, may be considered, but prednisone is not a suitable choice for anxiety treatment, as it is not specifically designed to address the neurochemical imbalances involved in anxiety disorders.
- The treatment plan should be individualized, taking into account the patient's specific needs, comorbid conditions, and preferences, as recommended by 1 and 2.
In terms of specific medications, studies have shown that azapirones, such as buspirone, can be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, as reported in 3 and 4. However, prednisone is not mentioned as a treatment option for anxiety in any of the provided studies, and its use can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms, as noted in 5.
Overall, the most effective treatment approach for anxiety involves evidence-based therapies and medications, not prednisone, and healthcare providers should prioritize these options when developing a treatment plan for patients with anxiety disorders, as recommended by 1 and 2.