Response of HIV-related depression to psychostimulants: case reports

Four depressed and cognitively impaired patients with HIV-related disease had a marked therapeutic response to treatment with psychostimulants. Use of dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate brought a prompt remission of depressive and cognitive dysfunctions without adverse side effects. The results suggest the need for further evaluation of psychostimulants in the treatment of HIV patients whose depression proceeds from an affective disturbance (either primary or secondary) or from a specific organic mental disorder. The importance of neuropsychiatric assessment of depressed HIV patients is stressed, and diagnostic and treatment guidelines are given.