This study will examine duloxetine compared with placebo and an active comparator in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female outpatients at least 18 years of age, presenting with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) based on the disease diagnostic criteria. Must suffer from GAD and not from an adjustment disorder or anxiety disorder not otherwise specified. The symptoms of GAD should not be situational in nature.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any current and primary DSM-IV Axis I diagnosis other than GAD, including:

  • Patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder within the past 6 months; or
  • Patients diagnosed with panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder within the past year; or
  • Patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar affective disorder, psychosis, factitious disorder, or somatoform disorders during their lifetimes.

• The presence of an Axis II disorder or history of antisocial behavior, which, in the judgement of the investigator, would interfere with compliance with the study protocol.