BUSPIRONE TREATMENT OF ANXIOUS ALCOHOLICS - A PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: Symptoms of anxiety are common in alcoholics and may contr ibute to relapse following initiation of abstinence. Buspirone hydroch loride, a serotonin(1A) partial agonist, has a pharmacologic profile t hat may be particularly suited to the treatment of anxious alcoholics. Methods: We conducted a randomized, 12-week, placebo-controlled trial of buspirone in 61 anxious alcoholics, all of hom also received weekl y relapse prevention psychotherapy. Outcomes were measured at the end of treatment and at a 6-month follow-up evaluation. Results: Buspirone therapy was associated with greater retention in the 12-week treatmen t trial, reduced anxiety, a slower return to heavy alcohol consumption , and fewer drinking days during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Bu spirone appears to have a useful role in the treatment of anxious alco holics. Further research is needed to clarify which patient characteri stics and concomitant treatments result in optimal response to buspiro ne therapy.