Analysis of individual symptoms in generalized anxiety--a pooled, multistudy, double-blind evaluation of buspirone

Pooled data for 427 patients with generalized anxiety disorders were analyzed retrospectively from six double-blind trials evaluating buspirone, a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic, in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. After a 4- to 7-day washout period, patients were allocated at random to receive treatment over a 4-week period. Buspirone dose ranged from 10 to 60 mg. Patients were assessed on entry and at weekly intervals using the 14 symptom groups (items) of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Buspirone improved all symptom groups significantly; onset of anxiolytic activity was observed at week 1 in 3 groups of psychic symptoms of anxiety. Within 2 weeks, 8 of the 14 symptom groups were improved significantly by buspirone versus placebo, and symptoms of anxiety improved further up to the 4-week end point. Psychic symptoms of anxiety improved earlier in general than the somatic symptoms of anxiety. At the end of treatment, analyses of the HAM-A scores indicated that all of the 14 symptom groups (individual items), the total HAM-A score, and the 2 composite Psychic and Somatic Anxiety Factors were significantly improved with buspirone as compared to placebo. The beneficial effects of buspirone were not compromised by any significant side effects.