Aripiprazole as augmentation treatment of refractory generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
BACKGROUND
Individuals with anxiety disorders often remain symptomatic despite treatment with a first-line pharmacologic agent. More research examining pharmacotherapy augmentation strategies to improve outcomes is needed.


METHODS
In an 8-week, open-label, prospective augmentation study, we examined the efficacy and tolerability of the novel antipsychotic agent aripiprazole for adult outpatients with generalized anxiety disorder (n=13) or panic disorder (n=10) who remained symptomatic despite treatment for at least 8 weeks with an adequate (or maximally tolerated) dose of typical pharmacotherapy.


RESULTS
Aripiprazole augmentation was associated with a significant reduction in Clinical Global Impressions-Severity scores (paired t=4.41, df=22, P<.001) in the intent-to-treat sample of 23 individuals. Three subjects (13%) discontinued due to sedation, chest discomfort, and restlessness, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide preliminary evidence that aripiprazole may be a useful augmentation strategy for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder who show a limited response to initial pharmacotherapy.
Hoge
Elizabeth A
EA
Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. ehoge@partners.org
Worthington
John J
JJ
Kaufman
Rebecca E
RE
Delong
Hannah R
HR
Pollack
Mark H
MH
Simon
Naomi M
NM
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015897:Comorbidity; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015363:Quinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000068180:Aripiprazole