D C Ayache1, R F Junior. 1. Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We report a case of severe depression in an elderly and critically ill patient with multiple medical complications who was treated with a combination of methylphenidate and sertraline. The objective of this report is to outline the usefulness of methylphenidate as an antidepressant in a patient with respiratory insufficiency. METHOD: Case description. RESULTS: The patient had a positive clinical response with initial mental confusion due to methylphenidate. An initial dose of 2.5 mg/day allowed antidepressant response and improvement of respiratory function permitting the removal of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Methylphenidate may be useful for patients with severe medical conditions including ventilatory insufficiency.
OBJECTIVE: We report a case of severe depression in an elderly and critically ill patient with multiple medical complications who was treated with a combination of methylphenidate and sertraline. The objective of this report is to outline the usefulness of methylphenidate as an antidepressant in a patient with respiratory insufficiency. METHOD: Case description. RESULTS: The patient had a positive clinical response with initial mental confusion due to methylphenidate. An initial dose of 2.5 mg/day allowed antidepressant response and improvement of respiratory function permitting the removal of mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION:Methylphenidate may be useful for patients with severe medical conditions including ventilatory insufficiency.