Journal Watch: Executive Dysfunction in MDD; Treating BD-1 with Cocaine Dependence; Is It SCT or ADHD?

We know you don’t have time to read it all. Here are some of the studies that caught our eye this week.

	Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate for MDD with Executive Dysfunction Even with antidepressant pharmacotherapy, patients with partially or fully remitted Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may still experience problems related to cognition. These cognitive deficits may include difficulties with executive functions (ie, problem solving, goal setting, planning, sequencing events and coping with life events). In this study, participants receiving lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) as an augmentation to SSRI monotherapy showed greater improvements in executive function compared with placebo. These improvements were evident in both the BRIEF-A Self Report scores and BRIEF-A informant rating scale. LDX augmentation was also shown to improve residual depressive symptoms in addition to improving cognitive function. Original source: Neuropsychopharmacology


	Buproprion As Add-on Therapy for BD-1 with Comorbid Cocaine Dependence Patients with a bipolar disorder type 1 (BD-1) with a comorbid cocaine dependence disorder (CDD) may benefit from add-on therapy with bupropion to prevent depressive relapses and minimize risk of a manic switch. In this study, patients with BD-1 and CDD diagnosis receiving bupropion as an add-on therapy showed improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores and Drug Abuse Screening Test scores, with no significant increase of Young Mania Rating Scale scores . The preliminary results suggest that adding buproprion to mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics may be beneficial in short-term treatment of acute depression in BD-1 patients with CDD. Original Source: Clinical Neuropharmacology


	When Is Inattentiveness Not ADHD? A Review of SCT Research The diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) currently includes the subtype ADHD-predominantly inattentive type (IN-type) for children where there is low hyperactivity and impulsiveness. However, research suggests an attention disorder separate from ADHD, coined sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT). While there is no official diagnostic term or criteria for SCT, the most notable symptoms include daydreaming, lethargy, apathy and issues with processing questions or explanations. Patients with SCT appear to focus on internalizing symptoms and related disorders (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem) more than externalizing symptoms and related disorders (ODD, CD, ADHD). The authors emphasize a need for additional research to define SCT, along with its causes and effective treatments. Original Source: Journal of Psychiatric Practice

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