The efficacy, safety, and adverse events of azapirones in anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Azapirones have been proposed as anxiety and mood modulators. We assessed azapirones' viability in anxiety disorders via systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis, inquiring PubMed/MEDLINE/CENTRAL/WHO-ICTRP/WebOfScience/VIP up-to 05/01/2023. We conducted sensitivity, and subgroup analyses assessing heterogeneity, publication bias, risk of bias, and confidence in the evidence within the GRADE framework. Symptom reduction (mean difference/MD), study-defined response (risk ratios/RRs), and acceptability were co-primary outcomes. Adverse events and withdrawal were secondary. Seventy studies were included. In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), azapirones largely outperformed placebo (MD=-4.91, 95%C.I.[-5.91, -3.90], Hedges'g -1.37 [-1.02, -0.73]), k = 22, n = 2,567; RR=1.64, 95%C.I.[1.45, 1.86], k = 9, n = 1,346). While azapirones overlapped benzodiazepines in symptom reduction (MD=-0.12, 95%C.I.[-0.70, 0.45], k = 34, n = 3,160), they were slightly outperformed in response rate (RR=0.94, 95%C.I.[0.90, 0.99], k = 18, n = 2,423). Azapirones overlapped SRIs (MD=0.09, 95%C.I.[-0.49, 0.67], k = 8, n = 747; RR=0.97, 95%C.I.[0.89, 1.07], k = 7, n = 737). Confidence in estimates was high/moderate vs. placebo, moderate/low vs. benzodiazepine, very-low vs. SRIs. Azapirones failed to outperform the placebo in panic and social anxiety disorders. Azapirones overlapped placebo and SRIs in drop-out rates, while they showed higher treatment discontinuation rates than benzodiazepines (RR=1.33, 95%C.I.[1.16, 1.53], k = 23, n = 2,768). Azapirones caused less sedation/fatigue/drowsiness/weakness/cognitive issues than benzodiazepines, resembling placebo. They caused more nausea and dizziness than placebo, more headache and nausea than benzodiazepines, and less nausea and xerostomia than SRIs. Azapirones proved effective and relatively well-tolerated for GAD. They should be preferred over benzodiazepines, especially in the long-term, considering their lower sedation and addiction potential, representing a potential SRI alternative. Further research is warranted to prove efficacy in panic and social anxiety.

Pre-existing Psychiatric Morbidity Is Strongly Associated to Takotsubo Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Background

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an emerging disease characterized by an acute and reversible myocardial dysfunction which may have an influence on clinical status and prognosis. Despite extensive research, its pathophysiology has not been completely elucidated; among other hypothesis, a heart-brain interaction has been proposed.

Methods

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of psychiatric disorders and of some personality types on the pathogenesis of TTS. We conducted a retrospective observational case-control study. We enrolled a total of 50 patients, 25 with a previous diagnosis of TTS and 25 patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), that underwent a comprehensive lifetime psychiatric assessment.

Results

We found no significant difference between TTS and ACS patients in cardiovascular risk profile. The frequency of lifetime psychiatric disorders was significantly greater in TTS. In particular, in the univariate analysis, TTS group showed a higher prevalence of mood disorders (Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Dysthymia; 16 vs. 2, P < 0.001) and anxiety disorder (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia; 20 vs. 8, P = 0.001) compared with ACS group. There was also a significant tendency in TTS patients to psychotropic medication use, substance abuse, and psychologist or psychiatrist consulting. However, there was no difference between the groups in previous stressful events and Type D personality. Moreover, the multivariate analysis showed that mood disorders were independently associated with TTS (OR 16.9, 95% CI, 2.2–127).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that pre-existing anxiety disorders and mostly mood disorders were significantly higher in TTS patients than in ACS group, suggesting the role of psychiatric disorders as possible pathophysiological substrate of TTS.