The hospital charts of 59 hospitalized oncology patients who had been
treated with either dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate for depressio
n during a 5-year period at the Massachusetts General Hospital were ex
amined. Eighty-three percent of the patients showed at least some impr
ovement following psychostimulant treatment. Seventy-three percent of
all patients demonstrated marked or moderate depressive symptom improv
ement. No significant differences in efficacy were noted between the t
wo psychostimulants, or across psychiatric diagnostic categories for d
epression. The patients improved quickly usually within the first 2 da
ys of treatment. Ten percent of the patients experienced adverse react
ions warranting discontinuation of the psychostimulants. Fifty-four pe
rcent of all patients had some appetite improvement. Anorexia was not
observed as a treatment side effect. The authors conclude that psychos
timulants are an effective and safe method of treatment for the depres
sed oncology patient.