Evalution of the effect of Escitalopram vs. placebo on changing the temperament traits of neuroticism

Ahmad Fakhri; Shahin Norouzi; Hamzeh Rostami; Siamak Baghaei; Mina Kianmanesh Rad

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS7.13421

Authors

Ahmad Fakhri Psychiatrist M.D, Associate professor, Department of Psychiatric, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Shahin Norouzi Psychiatrist M.D, Assistant professor, Department of Psychiatric, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Hamzeh Rostami Psychiatrist M.D, Assistant professor, Department of Psychiatric, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Siamak Baghaei Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
Mina Kianmanesh Rad Department of Psychiatric, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

Keywords:

Escitalopram, Neuroticism, depression

Abstract

Introduction: Neuroticism is a personality trait that is most related to the mental health challenges. Escitalopram is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) that are usually used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of escitalopram on improving the temperament traits on the neurotic patients. Methods: In this randomized placebo controlled trial, 172 residents in three hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran were randomly assigned to receive esitalopram 20 mg/daily/ orally (No=86, 29.9 ± 6.4 years with a range of 20 to 48 years old) or placebo (N=86, 29.8+6.3 years, ranged 21-47 years old) for 4 weeks.. At the beginning of the treatment the neuroticism and deoression scores were measured using NEO-60 and HAM-D questionnaires, and the patients were re-evaluated every two weeks during the treatment. The changes of temperament traits of neuroticism and depression in the two groups were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Administration of escitalopram in the treatment group reduced the neuroticism score 5.84 % and 13.3% after 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, compared with placebo group (P<0.01). The changes in neuroticism temperament traits were not significant in placebo group during 4 weeks (P<0.05).

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