Increased frequency of first-episode poststroke depression after discontinuation of escitalopram

Katsunaka Mikami, Ricardo E. Jorge, David J. Moser, Stephan Arndt, Mijin Jang, Ana Solodkin, Steven L. Small, Pasquale Fonzetti, Mark T. Hegel, Robert G. Robinson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE-: The purpose of this study was to compare escitalopram, problem-solving therapy, and placebo to prevent poststroke depression during 6 months after discontinuation of treatment. METHODS-: We examined for depression 33 patients assigned to placebo, 34 to escitalopram, and 41 to problem-solving therapy. RESULTS-: After controlling for age, gender, prior mood disorder, and severity of stroke, new-onset major depression and Hamilton Depression scores were significantly higher 6 months after escitalopram was discontinued compared with the problem-solving therapy or placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS-: Discontinuation of escitalopram may increase poststroke depressive symptoms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3281-3283
Number of pages3
JournalStroke
Volume42
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • depression
  • stroke

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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