Experimental comparison of low doses of 1.5 mg fluspirilene and bromazepam in out-patients with psychovegetative disturbances.

In order to find out whether the administration of bromazepam and low doses of fluspirilene for six weeks had different effects, 45 out-patients of both sexes received 6 mg bromazepam per day or 1.5 mg fluspirilene per week in a double-blind randomized fashion. Overall therapeutic effectiveness was rated by the physician in two weeks' intervals. In addition use was made of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, the Adjective List (Janke and Debus), and the Symptom Check List (Derogatis). Both products reduced anxiety in a comparable manner. Under fluspirilene, however, global therapeutic improvement was often more obvious than under bromazepam. This therapeutic superiority was particularly remarkable in patients whose somatic concern in the meaning of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale was comparatively pronounced.