In this preliminary study, SU-10704 proved to be effective in decreasing the level of psychopathology in chronic, primarily anxious clinic patients. The therapeutic effect was most marked in those patients in whom the "emotional" symptoms predominated over the "somatic" ones and was obtained through amelioration of the emotional symptom components of their illness. Side effects were minimal and apparently dose/weight related. In most patients, side reactions did not require discontinuation of medication, but disappeared after a few days or after reduction of dosage. No effects on blood pressure were noticed and only a mild bradycardic effect was seen. The question has to be left open whether placebo alone would also have affected emotional symptoms more than somatic ones.On the basis of this preliminary single-blind study, it appears recommendable to evaluate SU-10704 in a more rigorous double-blind study.Abstract Teaser