Specific phobias 

Specific phobias are characterised by an intense fear of something (e.g. dentists, flying, spiders) leading to avoidance or endurance with significant personal distress. Treatment with a SSRI is an option in patients who have not responded to first-line psychological therapy.

OCD and PTSD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have similar features to anxiety disorders. 

Psychological therapies include exposure therapy, CBT and cognitive therapy. A SSRI is usually first-line drug therapy, with clomipramine being an alternative. Escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline and clomipramine are licensed for the treatment of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Evidence-based treatments for acute PTSD are psychological therapy or drug therapy (with paroxetine, sertraline or venlafaxine). Paroxetine and sertraline are licensed for the treatment of patients with PTSD.