Depression comorbid with anxiety or medical illness: The role of paroxetine.

Depression is a common illness, frequently comorbid with other psychiatric disorders or medical illness. Comorbidity is associated with a poorer outcome for the patient, more severe symptoms and risk of suicide. The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor paroxetine has proven efficacy in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. The paper examines the role of paroxetine monotherapy in the treatment of depressed patients with comorbid anxiety, and reviews the use of paroxetine in the treatment of depression in patients suffering concurrent medical illnesses. ( Int J Psych Clin Pract 2001; 5:3-10).