Published Online
on November 23, 2005

A more recent version of this article appeared on January 1, 2006

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Submitted on August 4, 2005
Accepted on September 13, 2005

Fluoxetine Treatment in Poststroke Depression, Emotional Incontinence, and Anger Proneness. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Smi Choi-Kwon PhD, RN; Sung W. Han RN; Sun U. Kwon MD; Dong-Wha Kang MD; Ji M. Choi RN; and Jong S. Kim MD^*

From the College of Nursing (S.C.-K., J.M.C.), Seoul National University, and Department of Neurology (S.W.H., S.U.K., D.-W.K., J.S.K.), University of Ulsan, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jongskim{at}amc.seoul.kr.

Background and Purpose--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.

Key words: depression • emotions • fluoxetine • serotonin • stroke

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