Drugs for anxiety: from chloral hydrate to novel therapeutics.

Haddad, Peter M · Br J Psychiatry · 2026

editorial · Level V

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Abstract

Anxiety disorders are common and disabling. Current drugs have limited efficacy, notable side-effects and little innovation. This editorial briefly reviews past, current and emerging anxiolytic treatments, including psychedelic-assisted therapies, and highlights key themes. There remains a major need for improved medications to reduce disability and improve quality of life.

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