FLUOXETINE IN POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

Background: This study was designed to establish the efficacy of the s erotonin reuptake blocker fluoxetine in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: 64 subjects (22 women and 42 men; 31 veterans and 33 nonveterans) with PTSD entered a 5-week randomized dou ble-blind trial comparing fluoxetine (N = 33) and placebo (N = 31). Re sults: By Week 5 fluoxetine, but not placebo, significantly reduced ov erall PTSD symptomatology, as assessed by the Clinician-Administered P TSD Scale (CAPS) score. Changes were most marked in the arousal and nu mbing symptom subcategories. Non-VA patients responded much better tha n VA patients. Fluoxetine was an effective antidepressant independent of its effects on PTSD. Conclusion: Fluoxetine is an effective pharmac otherapeutic agent for treating PTSD and its associated features, part icularly in patients without chronic treatment histories.