Psychopharmacological treatment for cognitive impairment in survivors of traumatic brain injury: a critical review.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing national health issue that commonly results in clinically significant cognitive impairments. This article reviews and evaluates the many proposed psychopharmacological treatments for TBI-related cognitive impairment. A literature review was utilized to focus on stimulant and nonstimulant dopamine enhancing agents, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, antidepressant agents, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. The most consistent evidence supports the use of dopamine enhancing medications. However, other medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antidepressant agents may help select subgroups. A need remains for well designed, sufficiently powered studies that incorporate functionally relevant neuropsychological outcome measures.
Writer
Brian W
BW
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Psychiatry, 59 MHS/SGOWV1, 2200 Bergquist Dr., Suite 1, Lackland AFB TX 78236-5300, USA. brian.writer@lackland.af.mil
Schillerstrom
Jason E
JE
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines