Tol, Joey (2022) The Effectiveness of Dopamine Stimulating Agents in Late-Life Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Background. Depression is a prevailing disorder at any age. Existing literature suggests the use of dopamine stimulating agents (DSAs) may be effective in the treatment of clinical depression, particularly in older adults in whom dopamine depletion may occur as part of the natural ageing process. Currently, most DSAs are not registered for the treatment of depression. Research aim. This study aims to present a systematic overview of the existing literature on the effectiveness of DSAs on depression. It is hypothesized that DSAs are effective in reducing depressive symptoms, specifically in later life. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO until July 9th, 2021. Data was extracted from randomized controlled trials, open label, and case studies with over five participants to perform meta-analyses of either a pre-post effect-size (uncontrolled studies) or placebo-adjusted effect-size (randomized controlled trials). Additional analyses investigated monotherapy versus augmentation treatment effects and a meta-regression was conducted to investigate an age effect. Results. An overall small-sized effect was found for DSAs in reducing depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.26, 95% CI [-0.43; -0.10]), analyzing eighteen RCT studies. Heterogeneity was high and a significant Egger’s test indicated potential publication bias. Meta-regression did not show a significant age effect, but only two RCT studies included an elderly population. Conclusion. Results indicate that DSAs are effective in the treatment for depression. Future research should not only replicate these findings but generate more data on the position of DSAs for clinical treatment guidelines. Keywords. Depression, dopamine, prognosis, slowing, aging, treatment.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
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| Supervisor name: | Pijnenborg, G.H.M. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Clinical Neuropsychology (CN) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 31 Jan 2022 15:29 |
| Last Modified: | 31 Jan 2022 15:29 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/105 |
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