Comparative study of Citalopram in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder-control

Objective:To study the efficacy and safety of citalopram in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.Methods: 80 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were randomly assigned into a citalopram group(40 cases) and a alprazolam group(40 cases).Before treatment and at the end of the 1st,2nd and 4th week after treatment,self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA) and the side effects scale(TESS)were used to evaluate the efficacy and side effects.Results:Both citalopram and alprazolam had significant efficacy on generalized anxiety disorder group,but no significant difference was made between the two groups.The adverse reaction of citalopram group was significantly fewer than that of alprazolam group.Conclusion: Citalopram is a safe and effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder,with fewer side effects and better compliance.