[Modification of cognitive functions by 2 anxiolytic treatments in patients suffering from generalized anxiety]

The aim of this randomized, double-blind, multicentric study was to assess and compare cognitive impairment in patients treated with either lorazepam or hydroxyzine, for generalized anxiety. Only non depressed patients were selected according to MADRS criteria. The cognitive assessment was performed with the BEC 96 rating scale, the intensity of anxiety symptoms was evaluated through the Hamilton-anxiety and Covi scales. The level of relation, mood and sedation was assessed for each item with a visual analog scale (VAS). The patient's and investigator's opinion on the global efficiency of the treatment were also evaluated on VAS. After an 8-day wash-out period under placebo, the treatment was given in a double-blind way for 28 days: either hydroxyzine 25 mg at a daily dosage of 100 mg t.i.d. (25 mg - 25 mg - 50 mg), or lorazepam 1 mg at a daily dosage of 4 mg t.i.d. (1 mg - 1 mg - 2 mg). The results were as follows: after the 28-day treatment period, patients showed at the BEC 96 a cognitive improvement in both groups, but the improvement in the hydroxyzine group was significantly higher. Furthermore, the improvement appeared more quickly in the hydroxyzine group. The Hamilton-anxiety and Covi scales showed an improvement in the anxiety level in both groups with no significant difference. The visual analog scales assessing relation, mood and sedation improved in both groups as well as the patient's and investigator's opinion. The five assessments all showed a significant by higher improvement in the hydroxyzine group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)