Methylphenidate in mild depression: a double-blind controlled trial.
The literature on the use of stimulants in depression is reviewed, and a controlled study is described. Twenty mildly depressed outpatients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores of 14-24 were entered into a double-blind crossover study with randomized order, comparing methylphenidate (up to 60 mg/day) and placebo. No antidepressant effect was found. A beneficial effect of stimulants in subgroups of depressed patients remains to be proven.
D000328:Adult; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011897:Random Allocation
D010919:Placebos; D008774:Methylphenidate