OBJECTIVE: To probe into the effect of modified Xuefuzhuyu decoction on autonomic nervous function and quality of life in patients with post-stroke depression. METHODS: Totally 90 patients with post-stroke depression admitted into the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from Jan. 2017 to May 2019 were selected

according to the admission sequences

these patients were divided into control group and observation group via random number table

with 45 cases in each group. The control group was treated with venlafaxine

while the observation group was given modified Xuefuzhuyu decoction based on the control group. The efficacy of both groups were observed

differences in depression degree [hamilton depression scale （HAMD） score]

neurologic impairment [national institutes of health stroke scale （NIHSS） score ]

autonomic nervous function [sympathetic skin response （SSR） and R-R interphase variation （RRIV） ]

neurocytokine [nerve growth factor （NGF）

brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） ]

monoamine transmitters [norepinephrine （NE）

5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） ]and quality of life [general well-being schedule （GWB） score

Barthel index] were compared between two groups before treatment and 3 months after. RESULTS: The total effective rate of observation group was 93. 33% （42/45）

which was significantly higher than that of the control group （77. 78%

35/45）

with statistically significant difference （P < 0. 05）. The HAMD score

NIHSS score

upper limb SSR

lower limb SSR

quiet RRIV and deep breathing RRIV levels of observation group after treatment were significantly lower than those of the control group; the NGF

BNDF

5-HT and NE levels

GWB score and Barthel index were significantly higher than those of the control group

with statistically significant differences （P<0. 05）. CONCLUSIONS: Xuefuzhuyu decoction can effectively reduce the degree of depression in patients with poststroke depression

improve their autonomic nervous function and promote the quality of daily life.