To observe the therapeutic effect of Xiegan Anshen Formula（ Liver-Draining Spirit- Quieting Formula） on generalized anxiety disorder（ GAD）. Methods Totally 130 cases of GAD were randomized into the treatment group of 100 cases and control group of 30 cases. The treatment group was given 12 g granules of Xiegan Anshen Formula once daily. The control group was given 10 mg paroxetine tablet once daily. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. For both groups

Hamilton Anxiety Scale（ HAMA） scores were treated before treatment and 2

4

6 weeks after treatment

and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale（ TESS） scores were recorded 2

4

6 weeks after treatment. Results There were significant differences between before and after 2-week

4-week and 6-week treat- ment in the scores of HAMA in both groups（ P < 0. 01）. No significant difference was found between both groups after treatment. The total effective rate of the treatment group and control group was 94. 0% and 93. 3% respectively

with no significant difference between groups（ P > 0. 05）. The scores of TESS in the treatment group in the 2nd

4th and 6th week of treatment was significantly lower than those in the control group（ P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01）. Conclusion Xiegan Anshen Formula is effective for GAD with an equivalent efficacy and less side reaction as compared with paroxetine.