An open trial of methyltetrahydrofolate in elderly depressed patients.

Abstract

5-methyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) is a naturally occurring substance involved in the synthesis of s-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), a major source of methyl groups in the brain. To assess the efficacy of a gastro-resistant, oral preparation of MTHF, 20 elderly patients with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of depressive disorder and a HAM-D-21 score > or = 18 underwent 6-weeks of open-label treatment with 50 mg per day of oral MTHF. Of these 20 patients, 16 completed at least 4 weeks of treatment and showed a markedly significant improvement in their depressive symptoms at endpoint, with 81% of them being considered responders. There were no clinically relevant changes in the routine laboratory tests during the study, and no adverse events considered to be definitely drug-related were reported.

• Authors: G P Guaraldi, M Fava, F Mazzi, P la Greca
• Journal: Annals of clinical psychiatry : official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists (Ann Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 5 Issue 2 Pg. 101-5 (Jun 1993) ISSN: 1040-1237 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8348200 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Tetrahydrofolates
• 5-methyltetrahydrofolate

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Age Factors
• Aged
• Depressive Disorder (diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Pilot Projects
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Sleep Wake Disorders (chemically induced)
• Tetrahydrofolates (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)