Stimulants for depression: On the up and up?

@article{Malhi2016StimulantsFD,
  title={Stimulants for depression: On the up and up?},
  author={G. Malhi and Y. Byrow and Darryl L Bassett and P. Boyce and M. Hopwood and W. Lyndon and R. Mulder and R. Porter and Ajeet B Singh and G. 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… Expand
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Citation Type

Why do stimulants not work in typical depression?
  • U. Hegerl, T. Hensch
  • Psychology, Medicine
  • The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry
  • 2017
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. Expand
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. Expand
The use of antidepressants in oncology: a review and practical tips for oncologists
TLDR
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. Expand
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. Expand
The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities
  • S. Faraone
  • Medicine
  • Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
  • 2018
TLDR
This review aims to educate physicians regarding differences in pharmacology and mechanisms of action between amphetamine and methylphenidate, thus enhancing physician understanding of psychostimulants and their use in managing individuals with ADHD who may have comorbid psychiatric conditions. Expand
Preclinical Models for Assessment of Antidepressant Abuse Potential
Purpose of ReviewThis review considers the contribution of monoamine neurotransmitters to anhedonia, substance abuse, and sexual dysfunction and the relationship between antidepressant efficacy and… Expand
Treatment resistant depression
TLDR
It is crucial that researchers and clinicians have a thorough understanding of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and its potential treatments. Expand
Psychotropic and neurological medication effects on mitochondrial complex I and IV in rodent models
TLDR
Meta-analyses examining the effects of each drug category on complex I and IV revealed that selected antidepressants increase or decrease complex II and IV, antipsychotics and stimulants decrease complex I but increase complex IV, whereas anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, antidementia, and antiparkinsonian drugs preserve or even enhance both complex Iand IV. Expand
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. Expand
Cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder
TLDR
A growing interest in cognitive dysfunction in MDD has improved the ability to assess and treat MDD, and future research will be strengthened by the use of consistent terminology, standardized cognitive screening, and treatments that target Cognitive dysfunction inMDD. Expand
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