Meyers, C. A., Weitzner, M. A., Valentine, A. D., & Levin, V. A. (1998). Methylphenidate therapy improves cognition, mood, and function of brain tumor patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 16(7), 2522–2527.
This study was conducted to test whether methylphenidate (MPH) treatment would improve neurobehavioral functioning in patients with malignant glioma.
Participants were administered 5 mg of MPH daily, increasing dosage by 5 mg twice daily until a response or dose-limiting toxicity was noted.
The study had a pre- and post-test design.
Objective improvements were observed in psychomotor speed, memory, visual-motor function, executive function, and motor speed and dexterity (all p < 0.05). Subjective improvements in improved energy, improved ability to ambulate, better concentration, and brighter mood were reported.
There was a significant improvement noted in cognition that cannot be explained by improved mood or use of glucocorticoids. The authors suggest that stimulants such MPH improve motivation and drive.