The efficacy and safety of 'antianxiety granule' for anxiety disorder: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent class of lifetime disorders in China, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common but frequently overlooked anxiety disorders. Conventional pharmacological treatments for GAD have varying degrees of side effects, dependency, and/or withdrawal syndromes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered a valuable therapeutic option for anxiety disorders and a potentially effective technique to reduce the side effects associated with antipsychotic drugs. This trial aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Antianxiety Granule, a granular Chinese medicine compound, for treatment of GAD. METHODS/DESIGN: The current work is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with a 6-week treatment schedule. The study consists of three periods: a 1–7-day screening period, a 6-week primary treatment period, and a 1-week follow-up period. Follow-up assessments will be conducted 1 week after the last visit with a face-to-face interview or by telephone. The clinical efficacy of Antianxiety Granule for the treatment of GAD will be evaluated by examining the change in the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) score, and TCM symptom scale in patients with GAD who receive daily TCM treatment. Moreover, an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis will also be used in this randomized controlled trial (RCT). DISCUSSION: Our study is a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Antianxiety Granule for the treatment of GAD. The results of this trial will provide valuable clinical evidence for the treatment of GAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800016039. Registered on 8 May 2018.