title: An open trial of citalopram in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder.
abstract: In this preliminary, 12-week open-label study, eight adolescents with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were treated with citalopram (the most selective of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in a fixed daily dose of 20 mg, and rated at 2-week intervals. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (Child and Adolescent Version) was the primary measure used to assess treatment outcome. Core PTSD symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms) showed statistically significant improvement at week 12 on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (Child and Adolescent Version) (CAPS-CA), with a 38% reduction in total CAPS scores between baseline and endpoint. Citalopram failed to effect improvement on self-reported depressive symptoms. All seven adolescent completers were rated as much improved or very much improved on Clinical Global Impression Improvement scores. Citalopram was well-tolerated overall with reported adverse experiences being relatively benign. However, larger, controlled trials are needed to consolidate these preliminary results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Seedat
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lockhat
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kaminer
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zungu-Dirwayi
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Stein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011613:Psychotherapy; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015283:Citalopram