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Fluoxetine in post-traumatic stress disorder. Randomised, double-blind study.
K M Connor1, S M Sutherland, L A Tupler
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Summary
Fluoxetine significantly improved post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and function in civilians compared to placebo. This study highlights fluoxetine
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited research exists on pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in civilian populations.
- Most prior trials focused on male combat veterans, necessitating civilian outcome studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fluoxetine compared to placebo in treating PTSD among civilians.
- To assess fluoxetine's impact on PTSD severity, disability, and functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 53 civilians diagnosed with PTSD.
- Participants received either fluoxetine (up to 60 mg/day) or a placebo.
- Outcomes measured included PTSD severity, disability, stress vulnerability, and high end-state function.
Main Results:
- Fluoxetine demonstrated superior efficacy over placebo across most outcome measures at 12 weeks.
- Significantly higher rates of global improvement were observed in the fluoxetine group (85%) versus placebo (62%).
- Fluoxetine also led to greater improvements in high end-state function (41% vs. 4% for placebo).
Conclusions:
- Fluoxetine is an effective treatment for improving PTSD severity, disability, and functional outcomes in civilian populations.
- The study observed a lower placebo response rate in a broad outcome assessment but a higher rate with traditional global criteria.
- Findings support fluoxetine's utility in managing PTSD in non-veteran civilian adults.