Anxiety and related disorders
Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, PTSD and OCD.
High-yield points
CBT is first line for most anxiety disorders; SSRIs are the first-line medication.
Avoid long-term benzodiazepines because of dependence and falls.
Panic attacks: exclude medical causes (thyroid, arrhythmia, hypoglycaemia, substances) before labelling.
PTSD: trauma-focused psychological therapy (trauma-focused CBT, EMDR) is first line.
OCD: exposure and response prevention, with SSRIs often at higher doses.
Screen for co-existing depression, alcohol and substance use.
India vs Australia
Where the answer the AMC marks correct differs from what’s usually taught in Indian MBBS.
| Aspect | India (MBBS)What you learn in MBBS | Australia (AMC)What the exam marks as correct |
|---|---|---|
| First-line treatment | CBT and SSRIs. | Largely the same: CBT and SSRIs first line. |
| Benzodiazepines | Often prescribed long term (e.g. clonazepam, alprazolam). | Short-term only. Alprazolam is Schedule 8 with restricted PBS listing. |
| Access to therapy | Limited psychologists; cost is a barrier. | GPs recommend free online CBT (MindSpot, THIS WAY UP) and Head to Health, plus Better Access sessions. |
| PTSD | Less often diagnosed. | Trauma-focused therapy first line (Phoenix Australia guidelines); common in refugees and veterans. |
First-line treatment
India (MBBS)
CBT and SSRIs.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Largely the same: CBT and SSRIs first line.
Benzodiazepines
India (MBBS)
Often prescribed long term (e.g. clonazepam, alprazolam).
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Short-term only. Alprazolam is Schedule 8 with restricted PBS listing.
Access to therapy
India (MBBS)
Limited psychologists; cost is a barrier.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
GPs recommend free online CBT (MindSpot, THIS WAY UP) and Head to Health, plus Better Access sessions.
PTSD
India (MBBS)
Less often diagnosed.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Trauma-focused therapy first line (Phoenix Australia guidelines); common in refugees and veterans.
The Australian context
Australia has well-established free or low-cost online CBT programs (for example MindSpot and THIS WAY UP) and the government Head to Health service, which GPs routinely recommend.