Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of methylphenidate in older, depressed, medically ill patients.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examined the efficacy of methylphenidate in the treatment of depression in a group of older, medically ill patients.


METHODS
Sixteen patients underwent an 8-day double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial; 13 completed the trial.


RESULTS
Statistically and clinically significant treatment responses were found.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the use of methylphenidate in older, medically ill patients in whom rapid resolution of depressive symptoms is crucial.
Wallace
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VA Medical Centers in White River Junction, Vt. 05009, USA.
Kofoed
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West
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D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D008774:Methylphenidate