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Paroxetine in social phobia/social anxiety disorder

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

David Baldwin ,
Julio Bobes ,
Dan J. Stein ,
Ingebor Scharwächter  and
Michel Faure
David Baldwin*
Affiliation:
Mental Health Group, University of Southampton, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton
Julio Bobes
Affiliation:
Facultad de Medicina, Servicio de Psiquiatria, Oviedo, Spain
Dan J. Stein
Affiliation:
University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
Ingebor Scharwächter
Affiliation:
Praxis Scharwächter, Remscheid, Germany
Michel Faure
Affiliation:
Ancien Interne du CHU, Psychiatre, Hôprtaux de Tours, Psychiatrie et Pédopsychiatrie, Tours, France
*
Dr David Baldwin, Mental Health Group, University of Southampton, Royal South Hants Hospital, Brintons Terrace, Southampton SO14 0YG. Tel: +44 (0)1703 825538; Fax: +44 (0)1703 234243; e-mail: dsbl@soton.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

Preliminary studies have suggested that paroxetine may be effective in social phobia/social anxiety disorder.

Aims

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine in the acute (12-week) treatment of social phobia.

Method

Two-hundred and ninety patients with social phobia were assigned randomly to paroxetine (20–50 mg/day flexible dose) or placebo for 12 weeks of double-blind treatment. Primary efficacy outcomes were the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) total score (patient-rated) and the Clinical Global Impression (GGI) scale global improvement item. The secondary efficacy variables included CGI scale severity of illness score and the patient-rated Social Avoidance and Distress Scale.

Results

Paroxetine produced a significantly greater reduction in LSAS total score (mean change from baseline: –29.4 v. –15.6; P 0.001) and a greater proportion of responders (score $2 on CGI global improvement) (65.7% v. 32.4%; P < 0.001) compared with placebo at the end of the 12-week study period. Both primary efficacy variables were statistically significant compared with placebo from week 4 onwards. Paroxetine was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions

Paroxetine is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for patients with social phobia.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 2 , August 1999 , pp. 120 - 126
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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