Stimulants for depression: On the up and up?

@article{Malhi2016StimulantsFD,
  title={Stimulants for depression: On the up and up?},
  author={Gin S. Malhi and Yulisha Byrow and Darryl L Bassett and Philip Boyce and Malcolm Hopwood and William Lyndon and Roger T. Mulder and Richard J. Porter and Ajeet B Singh and Greg Murray},
  journal={Australian \& New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry},
  year={2016},
  volume={50},
  pages={203 - 207}
}
The use of traditional psychostimulants (methylphenidate and dexamphetamine) and stimulant-like drugs (modafinil and armodafinil) for the treatment of depression is a growing concern given the lack of research evidence supporting their effectiveness. The current article describes the role of stimulants in treating depression – specifically their risks and benefits and their potential use alongside antidepressants. Clinically, the rapid amelioration of depressive symptoms with traditional… 
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31 Citations
Background Citations
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31 Citations

Why do stimulants not work in typical depression?
TLDR
Arousal, a dimension included in the Research Domain Criteria project of the National Institute of Mental Health, can be assessed with an electroencephalography-based algorithm and is a promising biomarker to identify subgroups of patients, which might respond to stimulants.
The use of stimulants in depression: Results from a self-controlled register study
TLDR
Methylphenidate was associated with a 54% reduction in incidents of self-harm or suicide attempts, indicating that methylphenidate may potentially be useful in patients with depression with suicidal- or self-harming behaviour.
Psychostimulants as antidepressants: Their nuanced role?
  • G. Parker
  • Psychology
    The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
  • 2022
While effectively the 'first antidepressants', the psychostimulants are rarely prescribed as antidepressant drugs seemingly in light of their judged low effectiveness, side effects, tolerance as well…
The use of antidepressants in oncology: a review and practical tips for oncologists
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ADs are a relatively safe and effective treatment for more severe major depression in cancer patients and more research is urgently needed regarding the efficacy of ADs in different cancer types and cancer settings, their interactions with anticancer agents and their additive benefit when integrated with psychosocial interventions.
Use of Stimulants for ADHD and TBI in Veterans
TLDR
The authors review the most common psychiatric conditions for which stimulants may be indicated in veterans as well as tips for successful prescribing practices, monitoring ongoing use, and potential pitfalls and contraindications.
The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities
  • S. Faraone
  • Psychology, Biology
    Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
  • 2018
Preclinical Models for Assessment of Antidepressant Abuse Potential
TLDR
Increasing extracellular dopamine may both increase antidepressant efficacy and reduce sexual dysfunction, but it increases abuse potential.
Treatment resistant depression
TLDR
It is crucial that researchers and clinicians have a thorough understanding of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and its potential treatments.
Psychotropic and neurological medication effects on mitochondrial complex I and IV in rodent models
The Efficacy and Safety of Concomitant Psychotropic Medication and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
TLDR
This review evaluates the impact of a variety of psychotropic medications often used in conjunction with ECT and examines strategies to optimize their management.
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