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Psychostimulant response in AIDS-related complex patients
V F Holmes1, F Fernandez, J K Levy
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8101.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Psychostimulants like methylphenidate effectively treated cognitive and affective issues in patients with AIDS-related complex. Most patients showed significant improvement with no adverse side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- AIDS-related complex (ARC) can cause significant cognitive and affective dysfunction.
- Neuropsychiatric evaluation is crucial for managing these symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of psychostimulants in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with ARC.
- To assess the safety and effectiveness of methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with ARC and neuropsychiatric symptoms received methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine.
- Patients had cognitive impairment and various psychiatric diagnoses.
- Exclusion of other psychoactive, neurotoxic, or investigational agents.
Main Results:
- Psychostimulant therapy improved affective parameters in 89.5% of patients.
- 79% of patients experienced moderate to marked improvement.
- No adverse side effects were reported during the study.
Conclusions:
- Psychostimulants are a safe and effective treatment for affective dysfunction in patients with ARC.
- Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine show promise in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with ARC.