Abstract | OBJECTIVE: DESIGN: PATIENTS: Two hundred thirty patients with a DSM-III diagnosis of GAD in whom major depression and panic disorder has been excluded, and who had a Hamilton Anxiety Scale total score of at least 18. SETTING: Seventy-five percent of patients were treated in family practice settings in the community, with the remainder treated in psychiatric practices, either academic or private. RESULTS: Patients treated with diazepam showed the most improvement in anxiety ratings during the first 2 weeks of treatment, with somatic symptoms being most responsive. From week 3 through week 8 trazodone achieved comparable, and imipramine somewhat better, anxiolytic efficacy when compared with diazepam, with psychic symptoms of tension, apprehension, and worry being more responsive to the antidepressants. Among completers, moderate to marked improvement was reported by 73% of patients treated with imipramine, 69% of patients treated with trazodone, 66% of patients treated with diazepam, but only 47% of patients treated with placebo. Overall, patients treated with antidepressants reported a higher rate of adverse effects than diazepam-treated patients, but attention rates were the same across all treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study need replication, but suggest a potentially important role for antidepressants, particularly imipramine, in patients suffering from GAD.
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Authors | K Rickels, R Downing, E Schweizer, H Hassman |
Journal | Archives of general psychiatry
(Arch Gen Psychiatry)
Vol. 50
Issue 11
Pg. 884-95
(Nov 1993)
ISSN: 0003-990X [Print] United States |
PMID | 8215814
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Placebos
- Imipramine
- Diazepam
- Trazodone
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Anxiety Disorders
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Diazepam
(therapeutic use)
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Female
- Humans
- Imipramine
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Placebos
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Severity of Illness Index
- Trazodone
(therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
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