Background and purpose: Prevalence of depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is reported to be 10-40%. Post-ACS depression is associated with higher mortality and morbidity in patients, therefore, it requires more attention.
Materials and methods: In a clinical trial (conducted in Babol University of Medical Sciences, 2015-2016), 47 hospitalized patients with ACS diagnosis were randomly allocated into two groups.  Twenty-four patients in intervention group received 20 mg/day citalopram and 23 individuals in the control group were followed without receiving citalopram. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was applied at weeks 0, 3, and 8. The participants’ quality of life was evaluated at weeks 0 and 8. Seven patients were excluded from the study since they did not return for follow-up.
Results: A total of 40 patients was studied including 14 (35%) males and 26 (65%) females. Mean ages of patients in in intervention group and controls were 63.1±8.8 and 68.4±7.9 years, respectively. Depression and anxiety levels reduced significantly in intervention group and their quality of life increased in week 8 (P<0.001). These changes were significantly different between the two groups in physical functioning, social functioning, emotional well-being and energy/fatigue subscales (P<0.05). A significant correlation was observed between reduced depression and anxiety and improvements in quality of life (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Citalopram could be effective in reducing depression and improving quality of life in acute coronary syndrome.