An open trial of citalopram in adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder
Date
2001
Authors
Seedat S.
Lockhat R.
Kaminer D.
Zungu-Dirwayi N.
Stein D.J.
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Abstract
In this preliminary, 12-week open-label study, eight adolescents with moderate to severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were treated with citalopram the most selective of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in a fixed daily dose of 20 mg, and rated at 2-week intervals. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (Child and Adolescent Version) was the primary measure used to assess treatment outcome. Core PTSD symptoms (re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms) showed statistically significant improvement at week 12 on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (Child and Adolescent Version) (CAPS-CA), with a 38% reduction in total CAPS scores between baseline and endpoint. Citalopram failed to effect improvement on self-reported depressive symptoms. All seven adolescent completers were rated as much improved or very much improved on Clinical Global impression improvement scores. Citalopram was well-tolerated overall with reported adverse experiences being relatively benign. However, larger, controlled trials are needed to consolidate these preliminary, results. © 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Description
Keywords
citalopram, serotonin uptake inhibitor, adolescent, article, avoidance behavior, child, clinical article, clinical trial, depression, dose response, drug tolerability, epistaxis, human, posttraumatic stress disorder, priority journal, scoring system, self report, treatment outcome, Adolescent, Arousal, Citalopram, Combined Modality Therapy, Female, Humans, Male, Personality Assessment, Psychotherapy, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Treatment Outcome
Citation
International Clinical Psychopharmacology
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