Use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram in the treatment of generalized social phobia.
BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence that social phobia responds to treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, the efficacy of citalopram, the most selective of the SSRIs, in social phobia has not been well documented.


METHODS
Citalopram was used on an open-label naturalistic basis in 22 social phobia patients presenting for treatment (40 mg daily for 12 weeks). Patients were rated with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale.


RESULTS
Ratings on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and the CGI were significantly improved after treatment. A total of 86% of patients were responders at week 12.


CONCLUSIONS
Open, uncontrolled study.


CONCLUSIONS
Citalopram appears to be effective in the treatment of social phobia. A controlled trial is warranted to confirm these data. The role of serotonin in social phobia deserves further study.
Bouwer
C
C
Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
Stein
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D015283:Citalopram / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors