An alternative, more conservative method of analyzing the data found that escitalopram was superior to placebo (23.1 percent vs. 34.5 percent), while problem-solving therapy was not significantly better than placebo (30.5 percent vs. 34.5 percent).
There was no significant difference between groups in the frequency of side effects.
The authors of the article concluded,
"In this study of nondepressed patients with recent stroke, the use of escitalopram or problem-solving therapy resulted in a significantly lower incidence of depression over 12 months of treatment compared with placebo, but problem-solving therapy did not achieve significant results over placebo using the intention-to-treat conservative method of analysis."
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Resources:
Robinson, Robert G., MD; Jorge, Ricardo, E. MD; Moser, David J., PhD; Acion, Laura, MS; Solodkin, Ana, PhD; Small, Steven I., PhD, MD; Fonzetti, Pasquale, MD, PhD; Hegel, Mark, PhD; Arndt, Stephan, PhD. JAMA. 2008;299[20]:2391-2400. "Escitalopram and Problem-Solving Therapy
for Prevention of Poststroke Depression." JAMA, May 28, 2008—Vol 299, No. 20l.
Press release. "Therapies Appear Helpful in Reducing Risk of Depression Following Stroke." JAMA. Chicago. May 27, 2008.
© Teri Robert, 2008
Last updated May 27, 2008.
