Randomised controlled general practice trial of sertraline, exposure therapy and combined treatment in generalised social phobia

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Abstract
Background: No controlled trial of treatment of generalised social phobia has been conducted in general practice.Aims: To examine the efficacy of sertraline or exposure therapy, administered alone or in combination in this setting.Method: Study was of a randomised, double-blind design. Patients (n=387) received sertraline 50–150 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. Patients were additionally randomised to exposure therapy or general medical care.Results: Sertraline-treated patients were significantly more improved than non-sertraline-treated patients (χ2=12.53,P2=2.18,P=0.140; odds ratio=0.732; 95% CI 0.475–1.134). In the pairwise comparisons, combined sertraline and exposure (χ2=12.32;P2=10.13;P=0.002) were significantly superior to placebo.Conclusions: Sertraline is an effective treatment for generalised social phobia. Combined treatment with sertraline and exposure therapy, conducted by the general practitioner, may enhance the treatment efficacy in primary care.