Eli Lilly anxiety drug ‘results in improved everyday functioning’

Eli Lilly has announced that generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) patients treated with Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) have exhibited improved everyday functioning compared to those receiving placebo.

Results from trials involving over 840 patients saw patients administered with the compound displaying an improved ability to enact regular activities at home, in the workplace and in social situations, with analysis focused on the treatment of physical symptoms of GAD and its relationship with functional impairment.

The study used the Sheehan Disability Scale to assess the level at which emotional symptoms suffered by patients adversely affects their ability to perform everyday tasks in a range of situations.

Dr David Sheehan, professor of psychiatry at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, said: “This study underscores the importance of treating all of the many symptoms of GAD and reducing the global functional impairment associated with the disorder.”

He added that data from these studies could prove useful to physicians selecting treatments for GAD patients, as varying medications will have different effects on symptoms reported by these individuals.

Earlier this month, Lilly announced results from three trials investigating the effect of Cymbalta on pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients, with the studies showing correlation between the reduction of average pain and a lowering of pain sleep interference.