Which drug is used for short-term management of generalized non-psychotic anxiety, with a maximum daily dose of 6 mg?

• A. Trifluoperazine
• B. Perphenazine
• C. Chlorpromazine
• D. Haloperidol

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is using a high-potency typical antipsychotic at a low dose for short-term relief of generalized anxiety, with a dose ceiling to limit side effects like extrapyramidal symptoms.

Trifluoperazine is a high-potency phenothiazine whose anxiolytic effects at low doses make it a historical option for short-term management of generalized non-psychotic anxiety. The usual dosing ceiling is around 6 mg per day, chosen to provide calming benefits while keeping the risk of motor side effects acceptably low. This combination of potency, anxiolytic effect at small doses, and an established maximum daily dose around 6 mg is why it fits the scenario.

The other drugs listed are more typically used for treating psychosis or severe agitation and are not characterized by a standard, low-dose regimen specifically aimed at short-term anxiety with a maximum of 6 mg/day. Haloperidol, chlorpromazine, and perphenazine have broader or different dosing patterns and adverse-effect profiles that make them less suited to this particular indication.