Effects of Paroxetine CR on Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms: In a Community Sample of Adult Hispanic Women with Major Depression or Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Previous research reports higher rates of depression in Hispanic women than Caucasian or African American women. The effectiveness and tolerability of paroxetine CR (controlled release) was examined in women of Hispanic heritage with depression or anxiety. METHODS: Thirty-six Hispanic female patients 18 years or older meeting DSM-IV criteria for major depression or generalized anxiety disorder diagnosis with an initial Hamilton Depression Rating scale (17 item) Ž20 or Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale Ž18 measuring no less than 4 on the Clinical Global Impression Severity scale received paroxetine CR (12.5-50mg/day) for 29 weeks of open label treatment. Analysis was conducted using repeated measures methodology. RESULTS: Significant symptom reduction was observed on all scales. Mean dose was 31.7mg. The side effect of sexual dysfunction (17%) appeared most frequently but did not cause any patients to cease study participation. CONCLUSIONS: Paroxetine CR was an effective and generally well tolerated treatment in this population