Paroxetine in social phobia/social anxiety disorder. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Paroxetine Study Group.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Preliminary studies have suggested that paroxetine may be effective in social phobia/social anxiety disorder.

AIMS:

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine in the acute (12-week) treatment of social phobia.

METHOD:

Two-hundred and ninety patients with social phobia were assigned randomly to paroxetine (20-50 mg/day flexible dose) or placebo for 12 weeks of double-blind treatment. Primary efficacy outcomes were the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score (patient-rated) and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale global improvement item. The secondary efficacy variables included CGI scale severity of illness score and the patient-rated Social Avoidance and Distress Scale.

RESULTS:

Paroxetine produced a significantly greater reduction in LSAS total score (mean change from baseline: -29.4 v. -15.6; P < or = 0.001) and a greater proportion of responders (score < or = 2 on CGI global improvement) (65.7% v. 32.4%; P < 0.001) compared with placebo at the end of the 12-week study period. Both primary efficacy variables were statistically significant compared with placebo from week 4 onwards. Paroxetine was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Paroxetine is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for patients with social phobia.

• Authors: D Baldwin, J Bobes, D J Stein, I Scharwächter, M Faure
• Journal: The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science (Br J Psychiatry) Vol. 175 Pg. 120-6 (Aug 1999) ISSN: 0007-1250 [Print] England
• PMID: 10627793 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
• Paroxetine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Anxiety Disorders (drug therapy)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Interpersonal Relations
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Paroxetine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Phobic Disorders (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome