Randomized controlled trial of mono-therapy quetiapine versus combined escitalopram in the treatment of first episode of generalized anxiety disorder

To compare the efficacy and safety of quetiapine mono-therapy and combined with escitalopram in the treatment of first episode of generalized anxiety disorder, 90 cases with generalized anxiety disorder were randomly assigned into quetiapine group and combined with escitalopram group for 16 weeks. Using Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and treatment emergent symptom (TESS) to assess the therapeutic effect and the side effect respectively. After 16 weeks of treatment, 42 cases in mono-therapy group and 44 cases in combined group completed the trial. The efficacy rates for quetiapine group and combined with escitalopram group were 83.33% and 86.36% and the significant efficacy rates for quetiapine group and combined with escitalopram group were 54.76% and 71.11% respectively. The combined with escitalopram group showed higher efficacy rates and more HAMA score reduction than mono-therapy group. There were no significant differences in TESS between two groups. Quetiapine mono-therapy in the treatment of first episode of generalized anxiety showed no significant differences from the combined with escitalopram group, but the combined medication showed a higher efficiency rates and better efficacy in long-term overall.