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

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.