Paroxetine in social anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo‐controlled study

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Abstract
Allgulander C. Paroxetine in social anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo‐controlled study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1999: 100: 193–198. © Munksgaard 1999.Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of paroxetine treatment in social anxiety disorder.Method: Previously undiagnosed and untreated subjects with social anxiety disorder (generalized social phobia) were selected from among responders to a newspaper advertisement. They were randomized to double‐blind treatment with paroxetine 20–50 mg daily or placebo for 3 months. Outcome measures were self‐rated social anxiety and avoidance behaviour, and clinician‐rated global assessment of improvement.Results: Significant differences in efficacy between treatments (intent‐to‐treat analysis: 44 subjects on paroxetine and 48 subjects on placebo) were noted after 4–6 weeks, increasing through the treatment period in the paroxetine group. Nine subjects on paroxetine and 3 subjects on placebo discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. Sexual side‐effects were noted by 18 subjects on paroxetine and 4 subjects on placebo.Conclusion: Paroxetine was effective in alleviating symptoms and avoidance behaviour in social anxiety disorder.