A comparison of a β2-adrenoceptor antagonist (ICI 118,551), diazepam and placebo in the treatment of acute anxiety

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Abstract
The effect of β 2-adrenoceptor antagonism in acute anxiety neurosis was investigated by comparing the effects of ICI 118,551, a specific β2-adrenoceptor antagonist, diazepam and placebo in a double-blind, parallel group study. Sixty-three patients, who fulfilled criteria for Anxiety Disorder (DSM III) and were psychotropic drug- free (apart from six using hypnotics), were entered. Anxiety symptoms were rated using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) and Spielberger State Anxiety Scale. Assessments were made at entry and following a 7-day single-blind placebo treatment phase, at the end of which only 51 wished to continue and had sufficient symptoms (HAS score >16 or reduction 2-Adrenoceptor antagonism does not seem to have important effects on anxiety symptoms in anxiety neurosis.