Valproic acid for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of valproic acid in participants with social anxiety disorder. Following a 2-week single-blind, placebo run-in period, 17 participants were enrolled in a 12-week open flexible-dose trial of valproic acid (500-2500 mg). The primary outcome measures were the mean change from baseline in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score and responder status [defined as a Clinical Global Impression of Improvement score (CGI-I) < or =2]. Social anxiety symptoms as measured by the LSAS and CGI-I scores significantly improved with treatment. The mean reduction in the LSAS was 21.3 points in the last visit carried forward analysis and 19.1 points for the completer analysis, with 41.1% and 46.6% participants, respectively, achieving responder status. The results from this open-label trial suggest the potential efficacy of valproic acid for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Placebo-controlled trials are indicated to confirm these findings.
Kinrys
Gustavo
G
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA. gkinrys@partners.org
Pollack
Mark H
MH
Simon
Naomi M
NM
Worthington
John J
JJ
Nardi
Antonio E
AE
Versiani
Marcio
M
D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010919:Placebos / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D010919:Placebos; D014635:Valproic Acid