[Evaluation of the effectiveness of crenotherapy in treating generalized anxiety disorder].
In preliminary studies, crenotherapy has emerged as a possible effective treatment for general anxiety disorder. We have compared crenotherapy to Paroxetine in a randomized multicentric control trial for a period of 8 weeks. 237 patients who met the diagnosis criteria of generalized anxiety disorder (DSM-IV) were recruited, 117 patients were randomly assigned to Crenotherapy and 120 to Paroxetine. Evaluation of effectiveness was assessed using the scoring system according to the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA). 207 patients were followed throughout the trial and completed the study. The HAMA scores showed an improvement across the two groups with a significant advantage of Crenotherapy compared with Paroxetine (p < 0.0001). The establishment and implementation of this trial have raised several methodological problems (namely because the use of a placebo was not possible) that are discussed by the authors.
Salamon
Roger
R
INSERM U 593, 146, rue Leo-Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France.
Christine
Germain
G
Olié
Jean-Pierre
JP
Dubois
Olivier
O
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017374:Paroxetine