Figure 22 is titled “Standardized mean change from baseline in CAPS for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors compared with placebo.” The figure displays a forest plot reporting the standardized mean difference in CAPS stratified by citalopram compared with placebo, fluoxetine compared with placebo, paroxetine compared with placebo, and sertraline compared with placebo. This figure is described further in the “PTSD symptoms” section as follows: “The single citalopram trial indicated greater decreases in PTSD symptoms among placebo subjects than citalopram subjects, although differences did not reach statistical significance (insufficient SOE). Each of the four fluoxetine trials (five comparisons shown because one trial included two fluoxetine arms that compared different doses of the drug) favored fluoxetine (SMD,−0.28; 95% CI, −0.42 to −0.14; I2=0.0%; moderate SOE). For paroxetine, two trials (one that compared two doses of paroxetine with placebo) each found significant decreases in PTSD symptoms among paroxetine versus placebo subjects (CAPS SMD of −0.56, −0.46, or −0.44 in each study; moderate SOE). Although only three of the seven sertraline trials indicated significant benefit of sertraline for PTSD symptoms, the meta-analysis of pooled data indicated a significant but modest difference of about 5 points on the CAPS between groups (SMD, −0.20; 95% CI, −0.20; 95% CI, −0.36 to 0.04; low SOE). Trials that used other PTSD symptom assessments had consistent findings.”

Figure 22Standardized mean change from baseline in CAPS for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors compared with placebo

CAPS = Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale; CI = confidence interval; PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder; SMD = standardized mean difference; SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

From: Results

Cover of Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review Update
Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review Update [Internet].
Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 207.
Forman-Hoffman V, Middleton JC, Feltner C, et al.
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