Fluoxetine treatment in poststroke depression, emotional incontinence, and anger proneness: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
The efficacy and safety of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine have rarely been studied in the treatment of poststroke emotional disturbances.


METHODS
Stroke patients (152) who had poststroke depression (PSD), emotional incontinence (PSEI), or anger proneness (PSAP) were studied. PSD was evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, PSEI by Kim's criteria, and PSAP was assessed by Spielberger Trait Anger Scale. Subjects were randomly given either fluoxetine 20 mg/day (n=76) or placebo (n=76) for 3 months. Follow-up evaluations were done 1, 3, and 6 months after the beginning of the treatment. The primary outcome measurement was the scores of emotional disturbances at each follow-up assessment. The secondary outcome measurements were the percentage changes of the scores and the subjective responses of the patients.


RESULTS
Although patients in the fluoxetine group more often dropped out because of adverse effects, fluoxetine administration was generally safe. Fluoxetine significantly improved PSEI and PSAP, whereas no definitive improvement of PSD was found. Improvement of PSAP was noted even at 3 months after the discontinuation of the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluoxetine is efficacious in the treatment of PSEI and PSAP. Its effect on PSD is not solidly confirmed.
Choi-Kwon
Smi
S
College of Nursing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Han
Sung W
SW
Kwon
Sun U
SU
Kang
Dong-Wha
DW
Choi
Ji M
JM
Kim
Jong S
JS
D000368:Aged; D000786:Anger; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D010919:Placebos; D005473:Fluoxetine; D012701:Serotonin