Treatment of apathy with methylphenidate

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2007 Winter;19(1):81-3. doi: 10.1176/jnp.2007.19.1.81.

Abstract

Apathy is a common condition that transcends psychiatric diagnoses. Its treatment is not well studied. The authors present four cases of apathy treated with a regimen of methylphenidate. Significant improvement in apathy and its sub-domains (motivation, novelty, and persistence) were noted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use*
  • Dementia, Vascular / complications
  • Dementia, Vascular / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Drive
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Methylphenidate / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Methylphenidate