Pharmacologic efficacy in neuropsychiatry: A review of placebo-controlled treatment trials - A report of the ANPA committee on research

Psychiatric disorders frequently compound the disability and complicate the management of neurologic conditions. These disorders result in increased m orbidity for the person afflicted, stress for the caregiver, and financial burden. tis study review the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pha rmacologic treatment trials of psychosis, depression, anxiety, and agitatio n in neurologic conditions from 1966 to 1998. Ten studies involving psychos is, 13 involving depression, and 20 involving anxiety-agitation meeting the committee's criteria were identified. Relatively few randomized double-bli nd placebo-controlled pharmacologic treatment trials of psychiatric disorde rs complicating neurologic disease have been conducted. These trials do not strongly support one specific pharmacologic approach to treatment. Further study of newer psychotropic agents, augmentation strategies, and novel use of other agents may help improve the treatment of psychiatric disorders ob served in patients with neurologic disease.