Randomised controlled general practice trial of sertraline, exposure therapy and combined treatment in generalised social phobia.
BACKGROUND
No controlled trial of treatment of generalised social phobia has been conducted in general practice.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of sertraline or exposure therapy, administered alone or in combination in this setting.


METHODS
Study was of a randomised, double-blind design. Patients (n = 387) received sertraline 50-150 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. Patients were additionally randomised to exposure therapy or general medical care.


RESULTS
Sertraline-treated patients were significantly more improved than non-sertraline-treated patients (chi(2)=12.53, P<0.001; odds ratio=0.534; 95% Cl 0.347-0.835). No significant difference was observed between exposure- and non-exposure-treated patients (chi(2)=2.18, P=0.140; odds ratio=0.732; 95% Cl 0.475-1.134). In the pairwise comparisons, combined sertraline and exposure (chi(2)=12.32; P<0.001) and sertraline (chi(2)=10.13; P=0.002) were significantly superior to placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Sertraline is an effective treatment for generalised social phobia. Combined treatment with sertraline and exposure therapy, conducted by the general practitioner, may enhance the treatment efficacy in primary care.
Blomhoff
S
S
Department of Psychosomatic and Behavioural Medicine, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Haug
T T
TT
Hellström
K
K
Holme
I
I
Humble
M
M
Madsbu
H P
HP
Wold
J E
JE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D020280:Sertraline