Paroxetine in social anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of paroxetine treatment in social anxiety disorder.


METHODS
Previously undiagnosed and untreated subjects with social anxiety disorder (generalized social phobia) were selected from among responders to a newspaper advertisement. They were randomized to double-blind treatment with paroxetine 20-50 mg daily or placebo for 3 months. Outcome measures were self-rated social anxiety and avoidance behaviour, and clinician-rated global assessment of improvement.


RESULTS
Significant differences in efficacy between treatments (intent-to-treat analysis: 44 subjects on paroxetine and 48 subjects on placebo) were noted after 4-6 weeks, increasing through the treatment period in the paroxetine group. Nine subjects on paroxetine and 3 subjects on placebo discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. Sexual side-effects were noted by 18 subjects on paroxetine and 4 subjects on placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Paroxetine was effective in alleviating symptoms and avoidance behaviour in social anxiety disorder.
Allgulander
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Karolinska Institutet, Neurotec, Division of Psychiatry at Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors