A three-month double-blind study of clobazam versus diazepam in out-patients suffering from neurotic disturbances

Abstract

Efficacy and safety of the 1,5 benzodiazepine, clobazam, in comparison to the 1,4 benzodiazepine, diazepam, were controlled in sixty psychiatric out-patients over a period of three months. In the course of this long treatment period data were obtained confirming findings of shorter-lasting studies. Global assessment of the therapeutic efficacy and the total scores of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale revealed no significant the compounds. Both groups showed a significant (p less than 0.01) improvement in the total scores of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale after two weeks of treatment. Scores of the individual items indicated distinct spectra of action: Clobazam was more effective in diminishing anxious mood, whereas diazepam was better able to influence muscular symptoms of anxiety. The relevance of the findings for a more individualized therapy is pointed out.