fluvoxamine and Phobic-Disorders

Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors are currently recommended as first-line treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD). Fluvoxamine has demonstrated efficacy in both these conditions and has recently been marketed in a controlled-release (CR) formulation in the United States for treatement of OCD and SAD. Three 12-week double-blind, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled studies were conducted with this formulation - two in SAD and one in OCD. All three studies showed a robust effect on the key symptoms of OCD and SAD and had broadly comparable efficacy to studies conducted with immediate-release (IR) fluvoxamine. The beneficial effects of fluvoxamine CR were maintained in a 12-week double-blind, randomized extension to one SAD trial. The CR formulation, when compared to its IR counterpart, offers less daily fluctuation in fluvoxamine levels and a more rapid titration schedule; in addition, a more rapid onset of effect may result from these features. Overall, the benefits of the CR formulation, among them the convenience of oncedaily dosing, were achieved without an increased adverse event burden versus the IR form.

Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Interactions; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Phobic Disorders

Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which may be used for the management of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Absorption of fluvoxamine was similar in adolescents to that in adults, which suggests that the maximum dosage of the drug for patients aged between 12 and 17 years can be as high as 300 mg/day. However, steady-state plasma fluvoxamine [corrected] concentrations were 2 to 3 times higher in children (aged between 6 and 11 years) than in adolescents; thus, the maximum fluvoxamine dosage recommended for children is 200 mg/day. Fluvoxamine (50 to 300 mg/day) for 8 to 16 weeks significantly reduced symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) [measured across multiple assessment scales] compared with placebo in a well controlled trial in paediatric patients (n = 120) or from baseline in noncomparative trials in adolescent (n = 20) or paediatric (n = 16) patients. Improvements with fluvoxamine (up to 200 mg/day) were observed for up to 1 year in 98 patients with OCD in a noncomparative trial. The drug (up to 250 or 300 mg/day) also improved symptoms of anxiety compared with placebo in an 8-week well controlled trial in 128 paediatric patients with social phobia, separation anxiety disorder or generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Fluvoxamine (50 to 300 mg/day) appears to be well tolerated in paediatric patients, with most adverse events with the drug (except abdominal discomfort, which occurred more often in patients receiving fluvoxamine) occurring with a similar incidence to those with placebo. The most common adverse events involved the central nervous system or gastrointestinal system. Most adverse events reported by paediatric patients with OCD were similar to those reported by adults. In conclusion, fluvoxamine is generally well tolerated and has demonstrated short-term efficacy compared with placebo in the treatment of OCD, and social phobia, separation anxiety disorder or GAD in well controlled trials in paediatric patients. Reductions in symptoms of anxiety with fluvoxamine have been observed for up to 1 year in children and adolescents with OCD. However, there are currently no comparative trials of fluvoxamine with other pharmacological agents. In the absence of such trials, current consensus opinion recommends that when pharmacotherapy is indicated, fluvoxamine, like other SSRIs, can be used as first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, particularly OCD, in paediatric patients. However, direct compari

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anxiety, Separation; Child; Drug Interactions; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Phobic Disorders

Social phobia is a common anxiety disorder that is underdiagnosed and undertreated. To date, three classes of serotonin drugs have been used to treat patients suffering from social phobia. These include the serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the partial 5-HT1A agonist buspirone, and the 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron. Although none of the serotonin agents have yet been directly compared with the gold standard monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine or the high potency triazolobenzo-diazepines alprazolam or clonazepam, the SSRIs, as a class, appear to be clinically useful agents. Further studies using larger sample sizes and double-blind methodology are needed to clarify the role of serotonin drugs in the treatment of social phobia.

Topics: Buspirone; Clinical Trials as Topic; Double-Blind Method; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Ondansetron; Phobic Disorders; Placebos; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Serotonin Agents; Treatment Outcome

The past 2 decades have witnessed an upsurge in the interest in anxiety disorders. Much research effort has been dedicated to panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it is only very recently that we have begun to understand some of the basic principles about the psychopharmacology of social phobia. Drug classes thus far studied include beta-blockers, nonselective and irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and benzodiazepines. Beta blockers appear to be of use in specific social phobias, such as public speaking, whereas they are of little use in generalized social phobia. There is considerable evidence suggesting that MAOIs are effective in reducing both social anxiety as well as social avoidance in generalized social phobia. A disadvantage of the conventional irreversible MAOIs is their risk for hypertensive crises when combined with dietary tyramine. Thus far only a small number of studies with selective MAO-A inhibitors, such as moclobemide and brofaromine, have been conducted in social phobia, and the results indicate that both compounds are effective. Drugs exerting selective and specific actions on certain components of, for example, the serotonergic system, can now be studied, and it is hoped that the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine) and other neuronal systems in social phobia can be elucidated. In order to gain more information about selective serotonergic drugs, the first double-blind placebo-controlled study with fluvoxamine was recently published. Preliminary results indicate a reduction in social anxiety after a prolonged treatment period. Finally, the role of peptides in the treatment of social phobia is critically reviewed. The MSH/ACTH analog Org 2766 was investigated in patients suffering from social phobia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Benzodiazepines; Clinical Trials as Topic; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Phobic Disorders; Psychotropic Drugs; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

1. The last two decades have witnessed an upsurge in the interest in anxiety disorders. Much research effort has been dedicated to panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, it is only very recently that we have begun to understand some of the basic principles about the psychopharmacology of social phobia. 2. Drug classes sofar studied include beta-blockers, nonselective and irreversible MAO-inhibitors (MAOI's) and benzodiazepines. 3. Beta blockers appear to be of use in specific social phobias, like public speaking. There is considerable evidence suggesting that MAOI's are effective in reducing both social anxiety as well as social avoidance. A disadvantage of the conventional irreversible MAOI's is their risk for hypertensive crises when combined with dietary tyramine. So far only a small number of studies with selective MAOI-A inhibitors such as moclobemide and brofaromine have been conducted in social phobia, and the results indicate that both compounds are effective. 4. Drugs exerting selective and specific actions on certain compounds of e.g. the serotonergic system can now be studied and it is hoped that the role of 5-HT and other neuronal systems in social phobia can be elucidated. 5. In order to gain more information about selective serotonergic drugs the first double blind placebo controlled study with fluvoxamine in social phobia is here reported. Preliminary results indicate a reduction of social anxiety. 6. Finally the role of peptides in the treatment of social phobia is critically reviewed. The MSH/ACTH analog Org 2766 was investigated in patients suffering from social phobia. No anxiolytic effects of this peptide could be observed.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Benzodiazepines; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Peptides; Phobic Disorders; Psychotropic Drugs

The efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been reported in the USA and Europe. However, no clinical investigation has been done with SSRIs in Japanese patients with SAD. This study was performed to determine the effectiveness and safety of fluvoxamine for generalized SAD (GSAD) in Japanese patients. In this double-blind study, patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for GSAD were randomized to receive treatment with fluvoxamine or placebo for 10 wk. Fluvoxamine treatment was initiated at 50 mg/d, and increased by 50 mg weekly to a maximum of 150 or 300 mg/d. The primary efficacy outcome was mean change from baseline on the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale - Japanese Version (LSAS-J) total score. The secondary outcomes were response according to the Clinical Global Impressions - Global Improvement (CGI-I) score and three domains of the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS; used to assess psychosocial impairment). A total of 176 fluvoxamine-treated patients and 89 placebo-treated patients were eligible for the efficacy analysis. At week 10, the fluvoxamine-treated patients had a significantly greater reduction in the LSAS-J total score compared with placebo-treated patients (p=0.0197), with significantly more fluvoxamine recipients being at least much improved on the CGI-I scale compared with placebo-treated patients (p=0.024). Fluvoxamine-treated patients also had better responses on the SDS compared with placebo-treated patients (p=0.0208). Fluvoxamine was safe and well tolerated. These results suggest that fluvoxamine is effective for the treatment of Japanese patients with GSAD.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age of Onset; Aged; Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Anxiety; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Japan; Male; Middle Aged; Phobic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Treatment Outcome

The present study examined sleep-related problems (SRPs) among a large sample (n = 128) of youth with anxiety disorders (i.e., generalized, separation, and social). The frequency of eight specific SRPs was examined in relation to age, gender, type of anxiety disorder, anxiety severity, and functional impairment. The impact of pharmacological treatment (fluvoxamine versus pill placebo) in reducing SRPs also was examined.. As part of a large, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial (Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology Anxiety Study Group), clinician and parent reports of SRPs were examined among children and adolescents, ages 6 to 17 years, before and after treatment.. Eighty-eight percent of youth experienced at least one SRP, and a majority (55%) experienced three or more. Total SRPs were positively associated with anxiety severity and interference in family functioning. Significantly greater reductions in SRPs were found among children treated with fluvoxamine compared with placebo.. These findings indicate that SRPs are commonly associated with childhood anxiety disorders and suggest a need for the assessment of and attention to these problems in research and clinical settings.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety, Separation; Child; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Phobic Disorders; Sleep Wake Disorders

Fluvoxamine CR has been reported effective in the short-term (12-wk) treatment of generalized social anxiety disorder (social phobia). Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is, however, a chronic disorder thought to require maintenance treatment. We report on data from the extension phase of a short-term study, in order to explore the efficacy and safety profile of fluvoxamine CR (100-300 mg/d) in the longer-term treatment of this disorder. Adult outpatients with generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD) at 35 centres in Europe, South Africa, and USA were included in an acute phase study (12 wk). Subjects who demonstrated at least minimal improvement by endpoint (n=112), were offered participation in an extension phase, in which medication was continued for a further 12 wk under double-blind conditions. Efficacy was assessed using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Disorder Scale (LSAS), the Clinical Global Impression Global Improvement score (CGI-I), the Clinical Global Impressions Severity of Illness score (CGI-S), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Safety and tolerability assessments were also performed at regular intervals. Subjects treated with fluvoxamine CR had a numerically greater decrease in LSAS total scores than subjects treated with placebo at endpoint. Analysis of data from baseline (day 1) to endpoint (last observation carried forward) demonstrated that this difference tended towards significance, while severity of illness on the CGI-S and disability on the SDS were significantly lower in the fluvoxamine CR group than in the placebo group. The same trends were observed when only data from weeks 12-24 were included in the analysis; although the magnitude of changes was smaller in the extension phase than in the acute phase, fluvoxamine CR-treated subjects continued to show improvement compared to placebo-treated subjects. Most treatment-emergent signs and symptoms (TESS) were mild to moderate in severity. No unexpected abnormalities were reported on vital signs, electrocardiagrams, or laboratory investigations. These data support the long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fluvoxamine CR in the treatment of GSAD. Given the prevalence, persistence, and disability associated with GSAD, and the relative paucity of long-term treatment studies of SAD, the current dataset provides empirical support for the current clinical consensus that pharmacotherapy of this disorder should be continued beyond the acute phase.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Chronic Disease; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluvoxamine; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Personality Assessment; Phobic Disorders; Treatment Outcome

Drugs that selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake are effective treatments for adults with mood and anxiety disorders, but limited data are available on the safety and efficacy of serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in children with anxiety disorders.. We studied 128 children who were 6 to 17 years of age; who met the criteria for social phobia, separation anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder; and who had received psychological treatment for three weeks without improvement. The children were randomly assigned to receive fluvoxamine (at a maximum of 300 mg per day) or placebo for eight weeks and were evaluated with rating scales designed to assess the degree of anxiety and impairment.. Children in the fluvoxamine group had a mean (+/-SD) decrease of 9.7+/-6.9 points in symptoms of anxiety on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (range of possible scores, 0 to 25, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety), as compared with a decrease of 3.1+/-4.8 points among children in the placebo group (P<0.001). On the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale, 48 of 63 children in the fluvoxamine group (76 percent) responded to the treatment, as indicated by a score of less than 4, as compared with 19 of 65 children in the placebo group (29 percent, P<0.001). Five children in the fluvoxamine group (8 percent) discontinued treatment because of adverse events, as compared with one child in the placebo group (2 percent).. Fluvoxamine is an effective treatment for children and adolescents with social phobia, separation anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety, Separation; Child; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Phobic Disorders; Psychotherapy; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of fluvoxamine for the treatment of social phobia (social anxiety disorder).. In a 12-week multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 92 patients with social phobia were treated with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine; 91.3% of the patients had the generalized subtype of the disorder. The primary criterion for response was a rating of "much improved" or "very much improved" on the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale. Secondary response criteria were changes on three specialized rating scales for social phobia symptoms: the Brief Social Phobia Scale, the Social Phobia Inventory, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Psychosocial impairment was assessed in three domains (disruption of work, social life, and home/family life) by using the Sheehan Disability Scale.. The mean daily dose of fluvoxamine was 202 mg (SD = 86). At study end or with the last observation carried forward, within the evaluable subjects (N = 86) there was a significantly higher proportion of responders in the fluvoxamine group (42.9%, N = 18) than in the placebo group (22.7%, N = 10). Similarly, fluvoxamine was superior to placebo on all social phobia rating scales at week 8 and beyond. Fluvoxamine also resulted in significantly greater decreases in measures of psychosocial disability than did placebo. Overall, fluvoxamine was well tolerated and safe.. These findings indicate that fluvoxamine is efficacious in the pharmacologic management of serious forms of social phobia.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age of Onset; Aged; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Personality Inventory; Phobic Disorders; Placebos; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Sex Factors; Treatment Outcome

There is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for social phobia although data suggest efficacy for several drug classes, including beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The SSRIs are particularly attractive due to their favourable tolerance and safety profile. An open label trial of fluvoxamine was conducted to evaluate its efficacy and safety in the treatment of social phobia (DSM-III-R) and to assess physiological changes that may accompany treatment. Fifteen non-depressed patients, aged 22-44 years (mean 31.6 years), entered the study. A 5-min performance task (public speaking simulation) preceded and concluded the active treatment period. Cardiovascular monitoring was performed during this time and blood sampled for plasma cortisol and steady-state plasma fluvoxamine concentration (at week 7). Ten patients (5 men and 5 women) completed an active 6 week treatment period of flexible dosing (50-150 mg/day). Five patients failed to complete the study due to drowsiness (n = 2), nausea (n = 1), or were lost to follow-up (n = 2). Analysis of clinical ratings indicated a statistically significant decrease in all scales from baseline to week 7 at the conclusion of the active treatment period. Clinical benefits were still evident at follow-up 1 week after drug discontinuation. Neither physiological effects nor plasma drug concentration correlated with clinical change. Fluvoxamine appeared to be effective and well tolerated in completers. Randomized clinical trials are needed to further demonstrate the efficacy of fluvoxamine in the treatment of social phobia.

Topics: Adult; Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Blood Pressure; Female; Fluvoxamine; Heart Rate; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Middle Aged; Phobic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Single-Blind Method

Differences between responders and non-responders to drug therapy were investigated in social phobia. Two previously published studies were pooled to obtain data of 30 patients who were treated for 12 weeks with brofaromine or fluvoxamine. Four criterion variables were used to divide patients in responders and non-responders. Depending on the criterion variable up to 72% of the patients were regarded as responders. Non-responders differed from responders in that they had a higher heart rate and a higher blood pressure. They were also characterized by higher scores on several psychometric scales, indicative of illness severity.

Topics: Adult; Arousal; Blood Pressure; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluvoxamine; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Personality Inventory; Phobic Disorders; Piperidines; Prognosis; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome

Factors that predict nonresponse to drug therapy (brofaromine or fluvoxamine) were investigated in a sample of 44 panic disorder patients. We used a strict definition of nonresponse to find patients who did not respond at all after 12 weeks of treatment. Using this definition, 15 patients (32.6%) were considered nonresponders. Nonresponders had a higher score on the Blood-Injury subscore of the Fear Questionnaire (FQ) and more often had high scores on several FQ subscores, indicative of comorbid phobic symptoms. These variables were subsequently used to predict nonresponse.

Topics: Adult; Agoraphobia; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Panic; Panic Disorder; Personality Inventory; Phobic Disorders; Piperidines; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome

Previous studies have shown selective and nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to be effective in the treatment of social phobia. In this study we investigated the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in social phobia. Thirty patients with social phobia (DSM-IIIR) were treated with the SS-RI fluvoxamine (150 mg daily) using a 12-week double-blind placebo controlled design. A substantial improvement was observed in seven (46%) patients on fluvoxamine and in one (7%) on placebo. Statistically significant effects were seen on measures of social anxiety and general (or anticipatory) anxiety in patients treated with fluvoxamine compared with placebo. The level of phobic avoidance decreased also but the difference at endpoint between fluvoxamine and placebo failed to reach statistical significance. It is concluded that treatment with the SSRI fluvoxamine has beneficial effects in patients suffering from social phobia, suggesting that serotonergic mechanisms might be implicated in social anxiety.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oxazepam; Phobic Disorders; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

1. The last two decades have witnessed an upsurge in the interest in anxiety disorders. Much research effort has been dedicated to panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, it is only very recently that we have begun to understand some of the basic principles about the psychopharmacology of social phobia. 2. Drug classes sofar studied include beta-blockers, nonselective and irreversible MAO-inhibitors (MAOI's) and benzodiazepines. 3. Beta blockers appear to be of use in specific social phobias, like public speaking. There is considerable evidence suggesting that MAOI's are effective in reducing both social anxiety as well as social avoidance. A disadvantage of the conventional irreversible MAOI's is their risk for hypertensive crises when combined with dietary tyramine. So far only a small number of studies with selective MAOI-A inhibitors such as moclobemide and brofaromine have been conducted in social phobia, and the results indicate that both compounds are effective. 4. Drugs exerting selective and specific actions on certain compounds of e.g. the serotonergic system can now be studied and it is hoped that the role of 5-HT and other neuronal systems in social phobia can be elucidated. 5. In order to gain more information about selective serotonergic drugs the first double blind placebo controlled study with fluvoxamine in social phobia is here reported. Preliminary results indicate a reduction of social anxiety. 6. Finally the role of peptides in the treatment of social phobia is critically reviewed. The MSH/ACTH analog Org 2766 was investigated in patients suffering from social phobia. No anxiolytic effects of this peptide could be observed.

Topics: Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Benzodiazepines; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; Peptides; Phobic Disorders; Psychotropic Drugs

Clinical and preclinical data suggest a link between serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] function and certain psychopathologic dimensions of anxiety disorders. Antidepressants consistently have been found to exert a favorable effect in anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorders. Clinical studies with 5-HT-selective drugs have shown that 5-HT neurons may comprise the site at which anxiolytic drugs exert a significant proportion of their action. Thus, fluvoxamine, a selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor, but not maprotiline, a selective noradrenaline uptake inhibitor, was found to be efficacious in panic disorder. The clinical effect of fluvoxamine revealed a noteworthy time course. After an initial increase in anxiety, improvement was attained gradually. On the basis of this finding, we tentatively hypothesized that stimulation of the 5-HT receptors, resulting from uptake inhibition, would worsen the condition of the patient, while down-regulation of the 5-HT receptors, resulting from chronic treatment, would account for the clinical efficacy. Thus, we performed a study in which ritanserin, a putative 5-HT2 antagonist, was compared with fluvoxamine. Ritanserin was found to be ineffective in the treatment of panic disorder symptoms, suggesting that 5-HT2 receptors may not be critically involved in the mechanism underlying the anxiolytic activity of 5-HT uptake inhibitors. It would seem, therefore, that other 5-HT-receptor subtypes, e.g., 5-HT1, may be implicated in this effect. Recent studies with selective 5-HT1 agonists support this hypothesis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Agoraphobia; Brain; Clinical Trials as Topic; Fear; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oximes; Panic; Phobic Disorders; Piperidines; Psychological Tests; Random Allocation; Receptors, Serotonin; Ritanserin

A double-blind comparative study with fluvoxamine, a specific serotonin uptake inhibitor, and maprotiline, a specific noradrenaline uptake inhibitor, was conducted in 44 patients suffering from panic disorder with or without phobic avoidance. Patients were treated with 150 mg of either fluvoxamine or maprotiline daily for 6 weeks. Fluvoxamine was found to be a potent anti-panic agent. The number of panic attacks decreased significantly during treatment. The level of anxiety showed a noteworthy time course. After an initial increase during the first week of treatment, the level of anxiety declined significantly as compared to baseline on continuation of the treatment. The therapeutic properties of fluvoxamine were therefore apparent from week 4 on. In addition, the associated depressive symptomatology decreased as well. Relative to fluvoxamine, maprotiline was ineffective in the treatment of panic disorders. Maprotiline had a slight effect on the depressive symptoms but virtually no effect on the level of anxiety. These findings support the hypothesis that serotonergic pathways in the brain are implicated in the pathogenesis of panic disorders. The data are at variance, however, with findings indicating that drugs that are efficacious in panic disorder act by altering noradrenergic function.

Topics: Adult; Agoraphobia; Anthracenes; Anxiety Disorders; Brain; Clinical Trials as Topic; Depressive Disorder; Double-Blind Method; Fear; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Maprotiline; Oximes; Panic; Phobic Disorders; Psychological Tests; Receptors, Adrenergic; Receptors, Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists

Severe social withdrawal (called hikikomori, and defined as isolation lasting more than six months and not due to an apparent mental disorder) has drawn increasing public attention in Japan. It is unclear whether hikikomori is merely a symptom or syndrome of social withdrawal.. To evaluate this phenomenon in relationship to social anxiety disorder (SAD), as few previous studies have.. One hundred and forty-one consecutive patients with SAD diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria by a semi-structured interview were treated with a combination of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and group activity.. Twenty-seven (19%) SAD patients fulfilled the criteria for hikikomori, and these patients had earlier onset, more symptoms and less education than non-hikikomori SAD patients. Only 33% of hikikomori SAD patients spontaneously complained of SAD symptoms at first visit. There were no diagnostic differences between hikikomori and non-hikikomori SAD patients, except that comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder was more frequent in hikikomori SAD patients. Functional impairment in 10 (37%) hikikomori SAD patients improved after several years of combination therapy.. Hikikomori may serve as a proxy for a severe form of SAD. Patients with comorbid SAD and hikikomori have lower treatment response rates than those with SAD alone.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Comorbidity; Cyclopropanes; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Interview, Psychological; Japan; Male; Milnacipran; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Paroxetine; Phobic Disorders; Psychotherapy, Group; Reactive Attachment Disorder; Retrospective Studies; Social Isolation; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Anxiety Disorders; Anxiety, Separation; Child; Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Phobic Disorders; Psychotherapy; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Specific phobias are not usually treated unless they are disabling. Behavioural therapy is the treatment of choice for disabling specific phobias. Pharmacotherapy is generally not considered to be effective in specific phobias, and is therefore not used for this indication. However, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been reported to be effective in various anxiety disorders, and may be effective in specific phobias as well. This case report describes the successful treatment of phobia of storms with fluvoxamine in an 11-year-old boy. Fluvoxamine and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be a suitable option for treatment of disabling cases of specific phobia when behavioural therapy is not feasible for various reasons.

Topics: Anti-Anxiety Agents; Child; Fear; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Phobic Disorders; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Weather

Treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) with serotonin reuptake blockers has been demonstrated effective in 50% to 60% of patients in open and placebo-controlled studies. However, some reports indicate that comorbid Axis II psychopathology, including avoidant personality disorder, and deficiency of social skills could be predictors of a poor response to treatment in OCD patients.. A retrospective review elicited 12 patients who met DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria for both OCD and social phobia and were treated in our clinic last year with adequate trials of serotonin reuptake blockers or MAOIs.. Only 3 (27%) of the 11 patients treated with serotonin reuptake blockers had a substantial improvement of OCD symptoms. Among them, only 1 (11%) of 9 patients with generalized subtype of social phobia versus 2 (100%) of 2 patients with the nongeneralized subtype responded to serotonin reuptake blockers. Four (80%) of 5 patients with comorbid generalized social phobia receiving phenelzine had marked improvement of OCD symptoms. In general, response of social phobia occurred parallel to that of OCD.. Comorbid generalized social phobia seems to be associated with a poor response to serotonin reuptake blockers in OCD patients. Deficient social skills, as well as distinct biological mechanisms, may be involved. MAOIs might be an effective alternative medication in refractory cases. Larger and controlled studies are needed to define the implications of the association of OCD and social phobia.

Topics: Adult; Clomipramine; Comorbidity; Female; Fluoxetine; Fluvoxamine; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Phenelzine; Phobic Disorders; Probability; Retrospective Studies; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome