Withdrawn, Apathetic Geriatric Patients Responsive to Methylphenidate

Abstract

A double-blind randomized study showed that methylphenidate, as compared to placebo, was singularly effective in 44 withdrawn, apathetic geriatric patients. Study selection and exclusion criteria were rigidly enforced. Patients receiving methylphenidate in a dosage of 20 mg daily improved significantly over a period of six weeks as measured by results of tests for mental status, ward behavior (nursis' rating), target-symptom response, and physician's and nurses' global evaluations. For this reason and because there were no side effects, this form of antidepressant therapy should be considered in the treatment of previously unresponsive or oversedated patients.