An open trial of methyltetrahydrofolate in elderly depressed patients.
5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) is a naturally occurring substance involved in the synthesis of s-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a major source of methyl groups in the brain. To assess the efficacy of a gastro-resistant, oral preparation of MTHF, 20 elderly patients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of depressive disorder and a HAM-D-21 score > or = 18 underwent 6-weeks of open-label treatment with 50 mg per day of oral MTHF. Of these 20 patients, 16 completed at least 4 weeks of treatment and showed a markedly significant improvement in their depressive symptoms at endpoint, with 81% of them being considered responders. There were no clinically relevant changes in the routine laboratory tests during the study, and no adverse events considered to be definitely drug-related were reported.
Guaraldi
G P
GP
Department of Psychiatry, University of Modena, Italy.
Fava
M
M
Mazzi
F
F
la Greca
P
P
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D013763:Tetrahydrofolates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D013763:Tetrahydrofolates; C005984:5-methyltetrahydrofolate