Across the 12-year period, antipsychotic
prescriptions in visits for anxiety
disorders increased from 10.6% (1996–
1999) to 21.3% (2004–2007). Over the
study period, the largest increase in antipsychotic
prescribing occurred am ong
new patient visits. Antipsychotic prescribing
also significantly increased am ong
privately insured visits and visits in which
neither antidepressants nor sedative/hypnotics
were prescribed. Am ong the com -
m on anxiety disorder diagnoses, the largest
increase in antipsychotic m edication
treatm ent was observed in visits for panic
disorder. Antipsychotic prescribing rose
from 6.9% (1996–1999) to 14.5% (2004–
2007) am ong visits for anxiety disorders
in which there were no co-occurring diagnoses
with an indication approved by
the Food and Drug Adm inistration for antipsychotic
m edications