The effects of modafinil on mood and cognition in Huntington's disease.
BACKGROUND
The wake-promoting agent modafinil selectively improves neuropsychological task performance in healthy volunteers, in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and in schizophrenia. We examined whether modafinil induced similar effects in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD).


METHODS
Twenty patients with genetically proven, mild HD participated in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over study using a single 200 mg dose of modafinil. Patients undertook a battery of neuropsychological tests including measures of cognition and mood.


RESULTS
Modafinil increased alertness as indexed by visual analogue scales. Modafinil did not elicit any significant improvements in cognitive function or mood. Modafinil had a deleterious effect on visual recognition and working memory.


CONCLUSIONS
Two hundred milligrams acute modafinil administration did improve alertness but did not improve cognition or mood in patients with mild HD. A multiple dose, chronic administration study is needed before the potential clinical utility of modafinil in HD is discounted.
Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK.
Andrew D
AD
Blackwell
Nicole S
NS
Paterson
Roger A
RA
Barker
Trevor W
TW
Robbins
Barbara J
BJ
Sahakian
D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006816:Huntington Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077408:Modafinil; D009042:Motivation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000187:drug effects; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D000077408:Modafinil