Introduction
Anxiety disorders are considered the most prevalent of psychiatric disorders,
with a high incidence of comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders.
However, poor diagnosis rates and treatment outcomes mean that there is still
considerable scope for manufacturers to move into the anxiety market.
The exact prevalence of anxiety disorders is difficult to quantify due to the
lack of epidemiological data, plus the high incidence of comorbidity with other
psychiatric disorders including depression. Diagnosis and treatment are
frequently hindered by failure of physicians and patients to recognize the
disorder; and when patients are treated, a considerable proportion of patients
require second-line therapy. New treatment strategies are desperately needed.
Key findings and highlights
- Despite a fifth of the total population across the seven major markets
suffering from an anxiety disorder, only a quarter of these individuals are
diagnosed and therefore treated. As a result, drug manufacturers are failing
to maximize revenues from the anxiety disorders market. Investment in
awareness campaigns is essential.
- Paroxetine is the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders across the
seven major markets. Nonetheless, opportunities still exist for
manufacturers to gain market share in anxiety disorders and countries where
the uptake of paroxetine has been less marked.
- With almost a third of patients requiring second-line therapy, there is a
significant need for anxiety drugs with improved efficacy. Drug developers
must begin investing in clinical trials for anxiety specific drugs that
demonstrate improved efficacy over current therapies.
Reasons to buy
- Assess the size of the drug-treated population by gaining an understanding
of the prevalence of anxiety with comorbid psychiatric disorders
- Target physicians more effectively, through an understanding of
prescribing behavior
- Identify commercial opportunities by benchmarking current products and
assessing unmet needs and future market potential
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