A pilot study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of ritalin in the treatment of patients in the sixth and seventh decades who were receiving psychotherapy for depression. The psychotherapy was psychoanalytically oriented. A total of 54 patients was studied, one-half of whom received ritalin, the rest a placebo. All were ambulatory and considered fair-to-good extramural risks initially (that is suicide was not believed an imminent risk). The primary effectiveness of the drug in facilitating communication and co-operation appeared due to its mood-elevating effects. Some psychomotor stimulation without significant effect upon blood pressure was found. Of value was the absence of depressive let-down as the effects of the drug wore off.
Of the ritalin group of 27 patients, 22 showed minimal to marked improvement. Five patients showed no improvement and required hospitalization and/or electric convulsive therapy.
Of the placebo group of 27 patients, 11 showed minimal to moderate improvement; 16 required hospitalization and/or electric convulsive therapy.
Four brief case reports were included. Ritalin appeared to increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy with elderly depressed patients.
Presented before the ninth annual scientific meeting of the Geronotological Society, Chicago, November 9, 1956.