Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What medication is often used for individuals experiencing mixed depression and anxiety?

1. Prozac

2. Paxil

3. BuSpar

4. Neuroleptics

The correct answer is: BuSpar

BuSpar, or buspirone, is frequently prescribed for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of both depression and anxiety. This medication is an anxiolytic, specifically designed to treat anxiety disorders, and it has a unique mechanism of action that differs from traditional benzodiazepines. Unlike many other anxiety medications, which can have sedative effects, buspirone is known for being less sedating and has a lower risk of dependency. Moreover, it can be beneficial for patients dealing with mixed symptoms because it does not solely target anxiety but can also have an antidepressant effect at times, particularly when combined with other forms of treatment. This dual action makes it an appropriate choice in cases where anxiety and depression coexist, allowing for a more comprehensive management of the patient’s symptoms. In contrast, other medications like Prozac and Paxil primarily function as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and may be chosen more often for straightforward depression or anxiety disorders but are not specifically noted for addressing both conditions in a singular medication regimen. Neuroleptics, on the other hand, are typically used for psychotic disorders and are not first-line treatments for anxiety or depression, making them less relevant for this particular scenario.