Effects of paroxetine on function recovery in patients with poststroke depression

Objective To evaluate the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) paroxetine on the functional capacities of poststroke depression.Method Seventy five patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups,during 8 weeks of therapy,patients were treated wtih paroxetine,doxepin, and placebo.Before and at the end of the observation,we assessed ADL by Barthel index,degree of neurological deficit by Chinese stroke scale and depressive symptomatology by Hamilton depression rating scale.Results The three groups ameliorated ADL capacities and neurological deficitto different extents.The greatest improvement was observed in the paroxetine treated group.Conclusion Paroxetine may facilitate recovery in patients with poststroke depression undergoing rehabilitation.The effects of SSRI as an adunct to physical therapy warrant further investigation.