A comparative study of duloxetine vs. fluoxetine for improving symptoms and social function of patients with somatoform disorder

Objective To explore the efficacy of duloxetine vs. fluoxetine for improving symptoms and social function of patients with somatoform disorder. Methods 134 patients with somatoform disorder were randomly divided into study group treated with duloxetine and control group treated with fluoxetine for 8 weeks. They were assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale( HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale( HAMA),Social Disability Screening Schedule( SDSS) and Treatment Emergent Side Effect Scale( TESS) at baseline and at the end of the 1st,2nd,4th and 8th week to evaluate the efficacy and side effects. Results Compared with baseline,scores of HAMD and HAMA in study group decreased significantly at the end of the 1st week( P 0. 05),while in control group the significance appeared till at the end of the 2nd week( P 0. 05). Scores of HAMD and HAMA in study group at the end of 1st,2nd,4th,8th week were significantly lower than those in control group( P 0. 05). Score of SDSS at the end of the 4th week in study group was significantly lower than that at baseline( P 0. 05),while the significance appeared till at the end of the 8th week in control group( P 0. 05). Scores of SDSS at the end of the 4th and 8th week in study group were significantly lower than those in control group( P 0. 05). There was no severe side effects in both groups.Conclusion Duloxetine is effective in improving anxiety,depressive symptoms and social function of patients with somatoform disorder. Moreover,it takes effect rapidly. The efficacy of duloxetine is better than that of fluoxetine.