Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam

Which of the following medications is a commonly used SSRI for anxiety treatment?

1. Duloxetine

2. Venlafaxine

3. Fluoxetine

4. Sertraline

The correct answer is: Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is commonly prescribed for various anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is often implicated in mood regulation and anxiety. Fluoxetine has a long half-life, which allows for flexible dosing and a lower potential for withdrawal symptoms compared to some other antidepressants. While other medications listed may be effective for anxiety, they are not SSRIs. Duloxetine and venlafaxine are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) rather than pure SSRIs, and they have different mechanisms of action. Sertraline, although also an effective SSRI for anxiety treatment, is not the correct answer in this context if fluoxetine is designated as the main focus for the question. Fluoxetine is well-studied for its efficacy in treating anxiety disorders and is one of the first-line treatments recommended in clinical guidelines.