Lorazepam in the Management of Gastro-Intestinal Neuroses

Abstract

Thirty-seven patients showing objective evidence of psychosomatic symptoms or gastro-intestinal neuroses, were given lorazepam 1 mg t.i.d. for one week and 3·5 mg/day for two subsequent weeks. Response, measured weekly by the Hamilton Rating Scale for anxiety showed that 23 patients were much improved, 11 were moderately improved and 3 were slightly improved. The improvement between pre-treatment assessment and final rating was significantly different (p > 0·001). Side-effects were mild and transient.