How do we know?
Often, when patients with generalized anxiety or panic disorder are placed on antidepressants or antianxiety medications, these anxiety symptoms become well relieved. A small percentage of these treated patients will unexpectedly lose their motivation to accomplish tasks; tasks that they looked forward to performing.
This unwanted medication effect is not depression or lack of conscientiousness.
If you stop the offending medication, the pathological anxiety or panic will return, but so will these patients’ motivation and sense of urgency.
Charles Tadros, M.D.
April 21, 2021
Saint Louis, Missouri