SUPPLEMENTING WITH DEXTROMETHORPHAN MAY ENHANCE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN YOUNG INDIVIDUALS WITH BIPOLAR DISORDERS
Chih-Chun Huang, Y. Chang, Ru-Band Lu, Jau-Shyong Hong
The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology February 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae059.025 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Double-blind Longitudinal Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 92 |
| Population | Patients with bipolar disorder, 55.1% male |
| Interventions | Dextromethorphan Valproic acid Placebo |
| Dose | 30 mg per day or 60 mg per day |
| Duration | 12-week trial |
| Measures | Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Continuous Performance Test (CPT) |
| Key findings | Neuropsychological function improved in all treatment groups over 12 weeks. Younger patients (under 39) showed a more favorable response to dextromethorphan than middle-older patients (over 40), leading the authors to argue that age influences therapeutic response and that early treatment may improve neuropsychological outcomes. |
Abstract
Abstract Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, debilitating mental condition with consistent prevalence across genders and ethnicities. It's marked by high relapse rates, mood swings, and disruptions in various life aspects. Prior research has highlighted neuropsychological impairments in BD. Aims & Objectives This study investigates the therapeutic effect of dextromethorphan (DM), an open- label drug, and its influence on different age groups' neuropsychological functions in BD patients.
Methods: We recruited 92 BD patients, with 55.1% males. In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study, we assigned patients to one of three groups: 29 on valproic acid (VPA) plus either placebo (VPA+P) or 63 with DM (30 mg per day or 60mg per day). We evaluated symptom severity using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Patients completed neuropsychological tasks at baseline and after the 12-week trial: the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). We also recorded clinical characteristics.
Results: Patients showed overall improvement in all neuropsychological functions after the 12-week trial. Subgrouping patients by age, the younger group (YG, younger than 39 years old) responded more positively to DM treatment, while the middle-old group (MOG, older than 40 years) exhibited less pronounced effects. Discussion & Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into DM's therapeutic effect, aligning with previous research. Age played a role in the therapeutic response, particularly among younger BD patients. Early treatment may yield better neuropsychological outcomes. To comprehensively capture neuroplasticity and therapeutic impact, especially on memory indices of WMS-III, we recommend future longitudinal studies. These would shed light on the long-term impact of age on BD patients' multifaceted functions.