L-Methylfolate For Bipolar I depressive episodes: An open trial proof-of-concept registry.
- 2017-01
- Journal of affective disorders 207
- Andrew A Nierenberg
- Rebecca Montana
- Gustavo Kinrys
- Thilo Deckersbach
- Steven Dufour
- Ji Hyun Baek
- PubMed: 27794238
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.09.053
Study Design
- Type
- Clinical Trial
- Sample size
- n = 10
- Population
- bipolar patients (10 subjects)
- Methods
- open-label registry, treatment as usual plus daily L-methylfolate 15mg for 6 weeks, depressive symptoms assessed with MADRS and manic symptoms with YMRS
- Blinding
- Open-label
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Funding
- Unclear
Background
L-methylfolate is a compelling candidate to treat bipolar I major depressive episodes. While approved as an adjunct for unipolar major depressive disorder, no studies have been done to assess the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of L-methylfolate for bipolar depression. As a first step, we developed a registry of bipolar patients treated with L-methylfolate to examine tolerability and outcomes.Methods
Subjects (N=10) received treatment as usual plus daily L-methylfolate 15mg for 6 weeks in this open-label registry. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and manic symptoms with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Effect size was measured with Cohen's d to provide an estimate of potential efficacy.Results
The pre-treatment mean (SD) MADRS score was 23.4 (4.34); the post-treatment score was 13.9 (8.24). Cohen's d was 1.19. At post-treatment, 6/10 patients had at least 50% MADRS improvement, and 4/10 patients exhibited remission with MADRS≤10. The pre-treatment YMRS score was 3.2 (3.0); the post-treatment score was 2.7 (5.2). Cohen's d was 0.17.Limitations
This registry was a small open-label clinical trial for a fluctuating disorder. We cannot rule out that our results are due to regression to the mean. A controlled trial is warranted.Conclusions
This first proof-of-concept open registry suggests that L-methylfolate in combination with treatment as usual has potential to treat bipolar depression.Research Insights
The pre-treatment mean (SD) MADRS score was 23.4 (4.34); the post-treatment score was 13.9 (8.24). Cohen's d was 1.19.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Large
- Dose
- 15 mg/day
The pre-treatment YMRS score was 3.2 (3.0); the post-treatment score was 2.7 (5.2). Cohen's d was 0.17.
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
- Dose
- 15 mg/day
Adverse Events Reported
As a first step, we developed a registry of bipolar patients treated with L-methylfolate to examine tolerability and outcomes.
- Finding
- Reported