Escitalopram in obsessive–compulsive disorder: a randomized, placebo-controlled, paroxetine-referenced, fixed-dose, 24-week study

Abstract

Objective: A randomized, placebo-controlled fixed-dose trial was undertaken to determine the efficacy and tolerability of escitalopram in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), using paroxetine as the active reference.Research design and methods: A total of 466 adults with OCD from specialized clinical centres, psychiatric hospital departments, psychiatric practices, or general practice were randomized to one of four treatment groups: escitalopram 10 mg/day (n = 116), escitalopram 20 mg/day (n = 116), paroxetine 40 mg/day (n = 119), or placebo (n = 115) for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y‑BOCS) total score from baseline to week 12. Secondary efficacy endpoints included remission (defined as Y‑BOCS total score ≤10), NIMH‑OCS, and CGI‑S and CGI‑I scores at weeks 12 and 24. Tolerability was based on the incidence of adverse events, and on changes in vital signs (blood pressure and pulse).Main outcome measures; Results: Escitalo...