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Modafinil improves memory in remitted depression

Modafinil, a stimulant intended to treat narcolepsy, improved episodic memory and working memory performance among individuals with remitted depression, according to recent findings.

“These results are very promising,” Muzaffer Kaser, MD, MPhil, MRCPsych, of the University of Cambridge, said in a press release. “[General practitioners] or psychiatrists often hear complaints of concentration or memory difficulties from patients with depression, but we are not good enough at treating these symptoms. Our study shows that modafinil may be a feasible option to tackle persistent cognitive problems in depression.”

To assess efficacy of modafinil for cognitive function in remitted depression, researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study among 60 individuals with remitted depression. Study participants received a single 200-mg dose of modafinil (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). Working memory, planning, attention, and episodic memory were assessed via the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery at baseline and after treatment.

Participants who received modafinil made significantly fewer errors on the Paired Associates Learning test, suggesting that modafinil improved neurocognitive performance (P = .01), compared with placebo.

Participants who received modafinil exhibited a trend for fewer errors on the Spatial Working Memory task (P = .08), compared with placebo.

Modafinil did not significantly affect planning or attention performance, according to researchers.

“Preventing relapse is an integral part of any ongoing treatment strategy for depression, and some people can understandably feel hampered if they find it hard to get back to their previous capacity when they go back to work after experiencing depression,” Kathryn Adcock, BSc, PhD, head of neurosciences and mental health at the Medical Research Council, said in the release. “These results suggest there may be a way to help these people in their recovery from depression and that's really encouraging.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Kaser reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.