Methylphenidate in mild depression: a double-blind controlled trial.

The literature on the use of stimulants in depression is reviewed, and a controlled study is described. Twenty mildly depressed outpatients with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores of 14-24 were entered into a double-blind crossover study with randomized order, comparing methylphenidate (up to 60 mg/day) and placebo. No antidepressant effect was found. A beneficial effect of stimulants in subgroups of depressed patients remains to be proven.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes