Atomoxetine and social anxiety

It is thought that 12% of people will suffer from social phobia at some point during their lives. Social anxiety disorder can be remarkably debilitating and result in serious functional impairment. The usual method of treating it is with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain. Substances called noradrenergic reuptake inhibitors which have a similar effect on a substance called noradrenalin have shown promise at treating social anxiety in a number of studies and a team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego looked at the effectiveness of the drug atomoxetine which has the same effect - although it is usually used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In a study of 27 people with social anxiety disorder - half of whom received atomoxetine and half of whom received a placebo - there was little difference in symptoms between the two group.

Ravindran, Lakshmi N. ... [et al] - A randomized controlled trial of atomoxetine in generalized social anxiety disorder Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology December 2009, 29(6), 561-564

Atomoxetine, ADHD and anxiety

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is estimated to affect 4.4% of adults in the U.S. Adults with ADHD have more problems with work, family relationships and social interaction, are more likely to smoke and use drugs, and have a significantly lower quality of life. One study found that 29.3% of adults with ADHD also have social anxiety disorder making it the most common anxiety disorder in people with ADHD. The treatment of ADHD often involves stimulants such as Ritalin, but it is unclear how this would affect people who also have social anxiety disorder. Atomoxetine has been found to be effective in adults with ADHD, adults with ADHD and alcohol problems, and children and adolescents with ADHD and anxiety disorders. A team of researchers in the U.S. studied the effectiveness of atomoxetine for adults with ADHD and social anxiety in a study of 442 people. They found that, compared to a placebo, atomoxetine effectively improved the symptoms of both ADHD and social anxiety and was well tolerated by the participants.

Adler, Lenard A. ... [et al] - Atomoxetine treatment in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid social anxiety disorder Depression and anxiety March 2009, 26(3), 212-221