Pharmacologic treatment of poststroke depression: a systematic review of the literature.
CLINICAL QUESTION/OBJECTIVE: A systematic evaluation of the literature published from 1966 until December 2001 on pharmacologic interventions for poststroke depression (PSD).


METHODS
Articles were selected from a computer-based search and were independently reviewed by three evaluators using a standardized criteria including internal validity items as well as descriptive and quantitative items.


RESULTS
Fifty studies were preliminarily reviewed and 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for systematic analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (citalopram and fluoxetine) may be effective in the treatment of PSD. There is some evidence for a beneficial effect of the tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline, however, the RCTs for this medication lack sufficient validity, and reports on side effects are contradictory.
Van de Meent
H
H
University Medical Center, St Radboud Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Geurts
A C H
AC
Van Limbeek
J
J
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*
D000928:Antidepressive Agents