Hydroxyzine may be safe and effective in generalised anxiety disorder.

Participants 334 outpatients diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder (DSM-IV criteria) and a Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) total score of at least 20. All were aged 18–65 years (mean 45 years); 68% women. Exclusion criteria were alcohol or drug dependence; major depressive episode within 6 months; score of 7 or above on the Raskin Severity of Depression and Mania scale; psychotic or delusional disorders within 3 years; chronic disease; prostate cancer; closed angle glaucoma; antidepressants, neuroleptics, mood regulators, morphine or derivatives, hydroxyzine, or bromazepam within 4 weeks; benzodiazepines more than 2 days per week during the past 30 days; benzodiazepines during the previous 2 weeks; need for psychotherapy; contraindication to study medication; and women who were pregnant, breastfeeding or not using contraception.