Biological psychiatry
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Biological psychiatry · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialRandomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of memantine for cognitive changes with corticosteroid therapy.
In animal models, corticosteroids are associated with changes in hippocampal structure and functioning that are prevented by glutamate release inhibitors or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Cushing's disease and prescription corticosteroid administration are also associated with memory impairment and hippocampal atrophy. Use of NMDA receptor antagonists to attenuate corticosteroid effects in humans has not been investigated. We examine the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine in patients receiving corticosteroids. ⋯ Memantine therapy was associated with improvement in declarative memory but not mood in patients receiving prescription corticosteroids.
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Biological psychiatry · May 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomized, placebo-controlled trial of three fixed dosages of prolonged-release OROS methylphenidate in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
There is increasing recognition of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and the need to evaluate efficacy and safety of methylphenidate treatment in these patients. ⋯ Prolonged-release methylphenidate is an effective treatment of ADHD in adults, with a safety profile consistent with methylphenidate use in pediatrics.
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Biological psychiatry · Jan 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialCatechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene variants predict response to bupropion therapy for tobacco dependence.
Although bupropion is efficacious for smoking cessation, only a minority of smokers are able to quit. Pharmacogenetic research may improve treatment outcomes through discovery of DNA sequences predictive of successful pharmacotherapy for subgroups of smokers. We investigated variants in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene in a smoking cessation trial of bupropion. ⋯ COMT haplotypes at rs737865 and rs165599 may predict a favorable outcome for bupropion treatment for smoking cessation. European-American smokers with a G allele at both SNPs may not benefit from bupropion treatment. Small numbers of some COMT haplotypes limit interpretation of response. If study findings are confirmed in additional large studies, COMT genotyping could be applied to identify likely responders to bupropion treatment for smoking cessation.
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Biological psychiatry · Jan 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialTranscranial magnetic stimulation accelerates the antidepressant effect of amitriptyline in severe depression: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method to stimulate the cortex, and the treatment of depression is one of its potential therapeutic applications. Three recent meta analyses strongly suggest its benefits in the treatment of depression. The present study investigates whether repetitive TMS (rTMS) accelerates the onset of action and increases the therapeutic effects of amitriptyline. ⋯ Repetitive TMS at 5 Hz accelerated the onset of action and augmented the response to amitriptyline.
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Biological psychiatry · Feb 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as treatment of poststroke depression: a preliminary study.
Depression has a significant impact on poststroke recovery and mortality. There are a proportion of patients with poststroke depression (PSD) who do not respond to antidepressants. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) might be a safe and effective alternative in these refractory cases. ⋯ Taken together, these preliminary findings suggest that rTMS may be an effective and safe treatment alternative for patients with refractory depression and stroke.