Mirtazapine in generalized social anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
This study is aimed at investigating the efficacy and tolerability of mirtazapine in a generalized social anxiety disorder. Sixty patients with generalized social anxiety disorder were randomly allocated to receive mirtazapine (30-45 mg/day) (n= 30) or placebo (n= 30) for 12 weeks in a double-blind study design. Primary efficacy was assessed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and response to treatment was defined as a reduction of 40% on the LSAS and an improvement on the Clinical Global Impression scale of 'much or very much improved'. An intent-to-treat analysis showed no difference between mirtazapine and placebo on the absolute LSAS scores with a mean decrease of 13.5 +/- 16.9 and 11.2 +/- 17.8 respectively, and on the number of responders, 13 and 13%, respectively. In conclusion, mirtazapine (30-45 mg/day) failed to be effective in the generalized social anxiety disorder.
Schutters
Sara I J
SI
Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands. s.schutters@sp.unimaas.nl
Van Megen
Harold J G M
HJ
Van Veen
Jantien Frederieke
JF
Denys
Damiaan A J P
DA
Westenberg
Herman G M
HG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008803:Mianserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078785:Mirtazapine; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine