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Efficacy of olanzapine in social anxiety disorder: a pilot study
Stewart D Barnett1, Michelle L Kramer, Charles D Casat
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710, USA. stewartbarnett@bellsouth.net
Abstract:
Based on evidence suggesting anxiolytic properties of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine, this study was conducted to evaluate whether olanzapine may be efficacious in treating social anxiety disorder (SAD). This study was an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of olanzapine as monotherapy in which 12 patients with the DSM-IV diagnosis of SAD were randomized to either olanzapine (n = 7) or placebo (n = 5). An initial dose of 5 mg/day was titrated to a maximum of 20 mg/day. Baseline to endpoint scores from the Brief Social Phobia Scale (BSPS), Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Sheehan Disability Scale, as well as Clinical Global Impression-Improvement ratings, were compared for olanzapine versus placebo. Seven subjects completed all 8 weeks of the study, four in the olanzapine group and three in the placebo group. In the intent-to-treat analysis, olanzapine yielded greater improvement than placebo on the primary measures: BSPS (p = 0.02) and SPIN (p = 0.01). Both treatments were well tolerated, although the olanzapine group had more drowsiness and dry mouth. Olanzapine and placebo were both associated with negligible weight gain. Olanzapine was superior to placebo on the primary outcome measures in this preliminary study of SAD. Additional studies of olanzapine as a treatment for SAD are warranted.
Insights
Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, demonstrated efficacy in treating social anxiety disorder (SAD) over an 8-week trial. This preliminary study suggests olanzapine may be a beneficial treatment option for individuals with SAD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent mental health condition.
- Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, exhibits anxiolytic properties.
- Evidence suggests a potential therapeutic role for olanzapine in SAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of olanzapine as monotherapy for social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Main Methods:
- An 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
- 12 patients diagnosed with SAD were randomized to olanzapine or placebo.
- Doses ranged from 5 mg/day to 20 mg/day, with outcome measures including BSPS and SPIN.
Main Results:
- Olanzapine showed statistically significant improvement compared to placebo on primary outcome measures (BSPS, p = 0.02; SPIN, p = 0.01).
- Both treatments were well-tolerated, with olanzapine associated with increased drowsiness and dry mouth.
- Negligible weight gain was observed in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Olanzapine demonstrated superior efficacy to placebo in treating SAD in this preliminary investigation.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore olanzapine's role in SAD treatment.