Jan 22 2009
Lexapro May Help Older Individuals With GAD
A new study indicates that the anti-depressant, Lexapro, may be helpful for older individuals suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It is estimated 3.7% of older individuals suffer with GAD; however there has not been much research into effective treatment for older people with this condition. Because Lexapro has been shown to be effective in treating adults with GAD, the recent study examined the effectiveness and safety of the drug for older individuals suffering from the condition.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety, which is hard to control, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, sleeping difficulties, fatigue, muscle tension, and irritability. These symptoms must persist more days than not over the period of six months or longer for an individual to receive a diagnosis of GAD.
In the study, 177 individuals aged 60 and older either received a placebo (92) or 10-20mg of Lexapro each day (85) for the duration of 12 weeks. Anxiety and other outcomes were measured.
The researchers discovered that more individuals responded to the Lexapro than to the placebo. More specifically, while 51% of those in the placebo group responded positively to the treatment, 69% of individuals in the Lexapro group responded favorably to the treatment. Additionally, the researchers found individuals who received Lexapro for 12 weeks showed greater improvements in role functioning and anxiety symptoms, role and social functioning, and activity limitations than those who received a placebo.
The researchers found no differences in the number of participants who dropped out of each group before the 12-week treatment period was over. Specifically, 16 participants who received Lexapro and 17 participants who received a placebo dropped out of the study before the 12 week period was over.
The side effects participants experienced in this study included sleepiness, urinary symptoms, and sleeping difficulties.
The researchers assert this study is only preliminary research on the effectiveness and safety of Lexapro on treating GAD, and that more research is needed. They also advise doctors who choose to treat older individuals suffering with GAD with Lexapro to tell their patients that the drug may take a while to get into one’s system and inform them of the possible side effects one may experience.
Source:
Psych Central: Medication May Help Senior Anxiety
