How does the doc decide which SSRI to use?

How does a doctor decide what SSRI to recommend to a particular patient?  I understand the notion that if one does not work well, try another one.  But how does the doctor decide which one to try in the first place?

I don't know...maybe personal preference, experience...patient feedback? I would imagine that it an opinion formed early on in their pratice...but Barbz is probably right in that a lot of doctors are progessive and will prescribe the newest ones available.

Of course severity of symptoms as well as what the patient is dealing with in the anxiety spectrum will also play in to the decision. Someone with mild GAD for expample may need something different than someone with severe panic disorder, or argoraphobia...or OCD.

I hope that you find great results with what you have been started on!:)

S.C.