Clinical efficacy and effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function of proscar combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in post-stroke depression.
Ming-Yang Xu, Yi Lu, Guo-Mei Shi, Jun Yao, Chun-Qin Ding, Ru-Juan Zhou
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and neurotransmitter deficits. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used, but their efficacy is limited. This study investigated whether combining SSRIs with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Free San could enhance their therapeutic effects.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining SSRIs with Free San in treating PSD, and to assess its impact on HPA axis function.
Methods: Ninety-two patients with PSD were enrolled and randomly divided into control groups (n = 46) and study groups (n = 46). The control group received the SSRI paroxetine alone, whereas the study group received paroxetine combined with Free San for 4 weeks. Hamilton Depression Scale and TCM syndrome scores were assessed before and after treatment. Serum serotonin, norepinephrine, cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured. The treatment responses and adverse reactions were recorded.
Results: After treatment, the Hamilton Depression Scale and TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum serotonin and norepinephrine levels were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group, whereas cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The total efficacy rates were 84.78% and 65.22% in the study and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). No significant differences in adverse reactions were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Combining SSRIs with Free San can enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve depressive symptoms, and regulate HPA axis function in patients with PSD with good safety and clinical application value.
期刊介绍：
The World Journal of Psychiatry (WJP) is a high-quality, peer reviewed, open-access journal. The primary task of WJP is to rapidly publish high-quality original articles, reviews, editorials, and case reports in the field of psychiatry. In order to promote productive academic communication, the peer review process for the WJP is transparent; to this end, all published manuscripts are accompanied by the anonymized reviewers’ comments as well as the authors’ responses. The primary aims of the WJP are to improve diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities and the skills of clinicians and to guide clinical practice in psychiatry.
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