Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare the effect of psychological treatment only and psychological combined with fluoxetine treatment in reducing symptom of depression, anxiety and in improving of cognitive and daily living abilities for post-stroke depression patients.MethodsAll patients with post-stroke enrolled in hospital between 1996 and 2001 and were evaluated by using of the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Scale of Elderly Cognitive Function (SECF), and Ability of Daily Living (ADL). SDS score was equal or greater than 50 points (SDS≥50) selected as subjects for this study. A total of 115 patients were randomized divided into psychological with fluoxetine treatment group (Group A,54 patients) and psychological treatment group (Group B,61 patients). There is no significant difference between two groups in age, education, and left or right side of hemiplegics. Statistical analysis was performed by using Chi test and t test to compare the 2 groups at day 0 (baseline) and after 2 months.ResultsThe level of depression and anxiety reduced significantly in both Group A and Group B from baseline to end of treatment (P<0.001). Both groups had significant improvement in daily living ability (P<0.001).There was no significant improvement in cognitive ability (P>0.5). There was no significant differences on SDS, SAS, SECF, and ADL scores from baseline to end of treatment (P>0.5).Conclusions There were similar effect of psychological with fluoxetine treatment and of psychological treatment only on post-stroke depression.

Key words: stroke, depression, psychological treatment, fluoxetine, medical treatment