Efficacy and side effects of methylphenidate for poststroke depression.
BACKGROUND
Depression after stroke impedes the rehabilitation process and causes additional suffering to patient and family. Few studies have systematically examined pharmacologic treatments of poststroke depression. In the present paper, the use of the stimulant methylphenidate is studied in a depressed, elderly stroke population.


METHODS
Ten subjects (mean age = 73.2 years) meeting DSM-III-R criteria for major depression were followed-up during a 3-week efficacy and side effect trial involving methylphenidate. Subjects were selected from rehabilitation patients referred for psychiatric consultation.


RESULTS
A total of 80% (8 of 10) of the subjects showed either a full or partial response as measured by Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores. The incidence of problematic side effects was low, and no subjects had to be discontinued from the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this methylphenidate trial for poststroke depression in elderly patients suggest that it is a safe and effective treatment for poststroke depression. Future studies are called for in which methylphenidate is compared with placebo controls and antidepressant medication.
Lazarus
L W
LW
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Ill. 60612.
Winemiller
D R
DR
Lingam
V R
VR
Neyman
I
I
Hartman
C
C
Abassian
M
M
Kartan
U
U
Groves
L
L
Fawcett
J
J
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D008774:Methylphenidate