Rounds in the General Hospital April 1, 2004

Using Psychostimulants to Treat Depression in the Medically Ill

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Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2004;6(1):44-46

Article Abstract

Because this piece does not have an abstract, we have provided for your benefit the first 3 sentences of the full text.

Have you ever wondered if there is a class of antidepressants thatworks within days instead of weeks or months? Have you considered using psychostimulants in the medically ill but weren’ t sure if itwould be safe? These issues are framed by the following case presentation of an elderly man with symptoms of major depressive disorder thatcomplicated his recovery from respiratory failure. A discussion of theuse of psychostimulants in medically ill patients follows the case presentation; a brief annotated bibliography is also included.