Background: No controlled trial of treatment of generalised social phobia has been conducted in general practice.
Aims: To examine the efficacy of sertraline or exposure therapy, administered alone or in combination in this setting.
Method: Study was of a randomised, double-blind design. Patients (n = 387) received sertraline 50-150 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. Patients were additionally randomised to exposure therapy or general medical care.
Results: Sertraline-treated patients were significantly more improved than non-sertraline-treated patients (chi(2)=12.53, P<0.001; odds ratio=0.534; 95% Cl 0.347-0.835). No significant difference was observed between exposure- and non-exposure-treated patients (chi(2)=2.18, P=0.140; odds ratio=0.732; 95% Cl 0.475-1.134). In the pairwise comparisons, combined sertraline and exposure (chi(2)=12.32; P<0.001) and sertraline (chi(2)=10.13; P=0.002) were significantly superior to placebo.
Conclusions: Sertraline is an effective treatment for generalised social phobia. Combined treatment with sertraline and exposure therapy, conducted by the general practitioner, may enhance the treatment efficacy in primary care.