The efficacy of paroxetine and placebo in treating anxiety and depression: a meta-analysis of change on the Hamilton Rating Scales.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous meta-analyses of published and unpublished trials indicate that antidepressants provide modest benefits compared to placebo in the treatment of depression; some have argued that these benefits are not clinically significant. However, these meta-analyses were based only on trials submitted for the initial FDA approval of the medication and were limited to those aimed at treating depression. Here, for the first time, we assess the efficacy of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in the treatment of both anxiety and depression, using a complete data set of all published and unpublished trials sponsored by the manufacturer.

Methods and findings

GlaxoSmithKline has been required to post the results for all sponsored clinical trials online, providing

SUBMITTER: Sugarman MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4146610 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature