title: Duloxetine in treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults: A meta-analysis of published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We carried out a meta-analysis of published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trails to assess the efficacy and tolerability of duloxetine in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases until October 2014. The search terms used were "anxiety or anxious or generalized anxiety disorder" and "duloxetine or Cymbalta." Meta-analysis was conducted using Revman 5.1. A fixed-effects model was carried out on the response rates, remission rates, and symptom improvement. Risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) were calculated. The overall effect size was calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven studies (n = 2,674) were found eligible for inclusion in analysis. Six studies provided data on response, which showed a significant difference between duloxetine and placebo (n = 1,975, RR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.34-1.63). Remission rates revealed significant superiority of duloxetine (n = 2,399, RR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.43-1.80). Change from baseline scores on Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety showed a reduction in anxiety symptoms to be significantly efficient for duloxetine (n = 1,135, MD = 3.34, 95% CI, 2.37-4.32). Duloxetine increased statistically Sheehan Disability Scale total score (n = 1,652, MD = 2.84, 95% CI, 2.08-3.60). The discontinuation of the duloxetine was not significantly different from that of the placebo.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Duloxetine is moderately effective in treating GAD with improvement in overall function and well tolerability.
authors.affiliation: Psychological Counseling Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
authors.forename: Yingli
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Center of Sichuan Province, Mianyang, China.
authors.forename: Guoping
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
authors.forename: Shichang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Psychology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.affiliation: Psychological Counseling Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Psychological Counseling Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.
authors.forename: Changhong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride
keywords: duloxetine; generalized anxiety disorder; meta-analysis