Anxiety Disorders Clinical Research Study

What is the purpose of this study?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether escitalopram is safe, well tolerated, and effective in the treatment of HIV-infected patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

Can I participate in this study?

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

• Conditions: Anxiety Disorders, HIV Infections
• Age: Between 18 - 65 Years
• Gender: Male or Female
• +

  Inclusion Criteria:

  age 18 to 65 years,

  DSM-IV criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

  confirmed stable HIV disease and attending a HIV treatment program

  stable dose of highly active anti-retroviral therapy for a minimum of 4 weeks

  ability to give informed consent
• +

  Exclusion Criteria:

  bipolar disorders, any psychotic disorder

  current major depression

  substance dependence (except nicotine dependence) in the previous 3 months

  currently suicidal or high suicide risk, serious or unstable medical disorders (e.g.

  uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes)

  any hospitalization for HIV-related illness in the previous 3 months

  any active CNS opportunistic infection or CNS malignancies related to HIV

  current active treatment for opportunistic infections related to HIV

  any psychotropic drug treatment in the previous 2 weeks before screening

  history of hypersensitivity to escitalopram and/or citalopram

  admission BDI 23

  seizure disorder, traumatic brain injury

  pregnant, nursing mother or planning to get pregnant.

  Concomitant mediations: At least 2-week washout of antidepressant (4 weeks for

  fluoxetine) or antipsychotic or anti-anxiety medications.

  In the opinion of the investigator the clinical condition precludes participation in

  the trial.

Detail Study Description

Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent among HIV-infected patients as they are in the general population. Approximately 25%-40% of HIV-infected patients have anxiety disorders; Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic disorder and post-traumatic Stress Disorder being the most frequent. Non-adherence to anti-retroviral medications is commonly seen in patients with HIV with GAD.The role of specific selective serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) in the treatment of HIV-patients with GAD is unclear. Escitalopram has been used in the treatment of GAD in the general population. It has been shown to be safe in HIV-patients with a tolerable side-effect profile. However, whether it can improve GAD in HIV-infected patients has not yet been investigated.

Study Treatments

Escitalopram

Last Updated: May 2009