Study designs of evaluations included in the review
All types of outcome studies were acceptable for the review. Review papers, case reports and uncontrolled outcome studies were excluded. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review.
Specific interventions included in the review
Both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments appear to have been eligible for inclusion. The pharmacological interventions included buspirone (5 to 120 mg doses) and paroxetine (20 to 60 mg). The psychotherapeutic interventions included cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) of between 6 and 18 sessions, delivered individually or in group format.
Participants included in the review
To be included in the review, the studies had to evaluate patients with a diagnosed alcohol use disorder and co-morbid anxiety disorders or symptoms.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The authors originally intended to use one common alcohol measure. However, since the studies used different outcome ratings, the authors decided to present the results as defined in the original studies. The outcomes included in the review were also related to anxiety reduction.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.