Anxiety disorders, more commonly than not, occur comorbid with another conditions.2 As such, the possibility of comorbidity should be considered during the diagnostic process, and when planning treatments (e.g., benzodiazepines should be used only with caution in people with substance-use disorders).2 With any treatment, the risk–benefit profile of a treatment for anxiety, or a comorbidity, should be carefully balanced.2
References:
1.American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition – text revision. © American Psychiatric Association, 2022.
2.Katzman MA, Bleau P, Blier P, et al.; Canadian Anxiety Guidelines Initiative Group on behalf of the Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada/Association Canadienne des troubles anxieux and McGill University; Antony MM, Bouchard S, Brunet A, et al. Canadian clinical practice guidelines for the management of anxiety, posttraumatic stress and obsessive–compulsive disorders. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14 Suppl 1 (Suppl 1): S1.
