This is a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial to further validate the effectiveness and safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules in treating generalized anxiety disorder.

This trial was a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, two-stage clinical trial in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (TCM differentiated as liver Qi stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome), consisting of a exploratory study(stage 1) and a confirmatory study(stage 2).

In stage 1, 120 subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to high-dose group, low-dose group and placebo group at a ratio of 1:1:1.

In stage 2, 495 subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental and placebo groups at a ratio of 1:1.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as confirmed by the MINI at Screening, The duration of illness must be ≥ 6 months；
2. Age 18-65 years old；
3. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) Total Score of ≥ 14 at both Screening and Baseline，Anxious Mood (item 1) score ≥2；
4. Clinical Global Impression of Severity Scale (CGI-S) score of ≥ 3 at both Screening and Baseline
5. The TCM syndrome is liver Qi stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder other than GAD that meets DSM-5 criteria within 6 months prior to screening；
2. Alcohol or drug abuse or dependence in the 6 months prior to screening, or urine positive for multiple drugs combined at screening
3. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) Total Score of > 17 at Screening or Baseline，or Depressive Mood (item 1) score ≥2；
4. Patients with Severe Insomnia.