An Eight-week Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Tolerability of Two Doses of SSR149415 in Outpatients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, as defined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria and confirmed by the semi-structured Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Plus Module. Exclusion Criteria: * Total score of less than 22 on the (Hamilton Anxiety rating scale)HAM-A. * Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score greater than 17. * Patients with a current history (within 6 months) of major depressive disorder or history or presence of bipolar disorders or psychotic disorders. * Patients with alcohol dependence or abuse or substance dependence or abuse in the past 12 months except nicotine or caffeine dependence. * Patients who have used the following prior to entry into Acute Phase: antipsychotics within 3 months, antidepressants including Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 1 month, anxiolytics within 2 weeks, mood-stabilizer (lithium, anticonvulsants) within 1 month, and/or high dose or prolonged benzodiazepine (continuous use for 3 months prior to admission) use. The investigator will evaluate whether there are other reasons why a patient may not participate.