A psychiatrist using an antidepressant in the treatment of anxiety is an example of __________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Off-label usage refers to the use of a drug for a different condition than it was originally approved for by the FDA. Antidepressants are often used off-label as anxiolytics, or medications that treat anxiety. This is a common and legal practice, as long as the psychiatrist follows established clinical guidelines and informed consent is obtained from the patient. It is not an increasing or prohibited violation of medical ethics, nor is it an example of cross-out pharmacotherapy, which refers to the practice of removing one medication and replacing it with another.

A Psychiatrist Using an Antidepressant in the Treatment of Anxiety