Mirtazapine in generalized social anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Sara I. J. Schutters, Harold J. G. M. van Megen, Jantien Frederieke van Veen, Damiaan A. J. P. Denys, Herman G. M. Westenberg

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Abstract

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. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 25: 302-304 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)302-304
JournalInternational Clinical Psychopharmacology
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

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