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Effects of S-adenosylmethionine augmentation of serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants on cognitive symptoms of major depressive disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2020

Y. Levkovitz ,
J.E. Alpert ,
C.E. Brintz ,
D. Mischoulon  and
G.I. Papakostas
Y. Levkovitz*
Affiliation:
Psychiatry Department, Shalvata Mental Health Center, Tel Aviv University, Hamargoa 4, POB 94, Tel Aviv, Israel The Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 15, Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
J.E. Alpert
Affiliation:
The Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 15, Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
C.E. Brintz
Affiliation:
The Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 15, Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
D. Mischoulon
Affiliation:
The Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 15, Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
G.I. Papakostas
Affiliation:
The Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 15, Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
*
*Corresponding author. Tel.: +972 9 7478644; fax: +972 9 7478643. E-mail address:levkovit@netvision.net.il
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Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often accompanied by significant cognitive impairment, and there are limited interventions specific to this particular symptom. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring molecule which serves as a major methyl-donor in human cellular metabolism, is required for the synthesis and maintenance of several neurotransmitters that have been implicated in the pathophysiology and treatment of cognitive dysfunction in MDD.

Objectives

This study is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial involving the use of adjunctive SAMe for MDD.

Methods

Forty-six serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SRI) non-responders with MDD enrolled in a 6-week, double-blind, randomized trial of adjunctive oral SAMe were administered the self-rated cognitive and physical symptoms questionnaire (CPFQ), a validated measure of cognitive as well as physical symptoms of MDD, before and after treatment.

Results

There was a greater improvement in the ability to recall information (P = 0.04) and a trend towards statistical significance for greater improvement in word-finding (P = 0.09) for patients who received adjunctive SAMe than placebo. None of the remaining five items reached statistical significance.

Conclusions

These preliminary data suggest that SAMe can improve memory-related cognitive symptoms in depressed patients, and warrant replication.

Keywords

PharmacotherapyMajor depressionS-adenosylmethionineCognitive functionOne-carbon cycle
Type
Original articles
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 27 , Issue 7 , October 2012 , pp. 518 - 521
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2012

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