Influence of Silexan on functional impairment in patients with anxiety disorders – an analysis of pooled data

Introduction The efficacy of the lavender oil preparation Silexan[*] in patients with anxiety disorders has been shown in several clinical trials [1]. Patients with anxiety disorders often experience functional impairment in daily life activities or work.

Aim The aim of the present evaluation was to analyse the effects of Silexan on disabling symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Method An analysis of pooled data from 3 randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials was performed to examine the effects of Silexan after 10 weeks of treatment on impairment in work, social life, family life, and number of workdays lost (DL)/days underproductive (DU). Changes in the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) under treatment were compared between treatment groups. DL/DU were evaluated in subgroups of patients with at least one DL or DU, respectively, before baseline.

Results 772 patients (80 mg Silexan: 385; placebo: 387) were evaluated. After 10 weeks, Silexan was significantly superior to placebo on SDS total score and all three SDS single items (work, social life, family life/home responsibilities; all comparisons p<0.01). Compared to placebo, both DL (n=328; -1 day; p=0.0398) and DU (n=553; -1 day; p=0.0333) occurred significantly less frequently with Silexan.

Conclusion With Silexan treatment, patients with anxiety disorders may cope better with work, social or family life, or family responsibilities and experience fewer lost or underproductive days.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
13. Juni 2022

• References

• 1 Kasper S. et al. World J Biol Psychiatry 2018; 19: 412-420