Wald, T.G., Roger, R.G., Noyes, R., Carroll, B.T., & Clamon, G.H. (1993). Rapid relief of anxiety in cancer patients with both alprazolam and placebo. Psychosomatics, 34, 324–332.
This randomized trial had two arms: alprazolam (0.5 mg) versus placebo. Dose increased over one week to 4 mg/day. Enrollment lasted four weeks.
The study reported on a sample of 36 inpatients and outpatients with cancer receiving treatment and/or follow-up.
A randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial design was used.
There was significant decrease in anxiety in both groups during week 1. There was no significant difference between alprazolam and placebo on anxiety for both self-rated and interviewer-rated scales.