Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of methylphenidate for the treatment of depression in SSRI-treated cancer patients receiving palliative care.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of methylphenidate for depression treatment in patients with advanced cancer.

Design

An 18-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of methylphenidate for treatment of depression in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-treated patients with advanced cancer in hospice or receiving palliative care. The primary outcome was depression remission, defined as a ≥50% reduction in score on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale.

Results

Among 47 enrolled participants, 34 were randomized. At study day 18, 85% of the methylphenidate and 60% of the placebo group were in depression remission (P = .22). Mean time to depression remission was 10.3 days [standard error (SE) 1.8] in the methylphenidate and 8.1 (SE

SUBMITTER: Sullivan DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5509522 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature