Effects of methylphenidate on EEG-vigilance in patients with tumor-associated fatigue syndrome

Abstract

Fatigue is an often seen symptom in patients with a malignant tumor. The fatigue syndrome is associated with sustained subjective exhaustion which can not be compensated by sleeping. Up to date there are no clear therapeutic guidelines for treating malignant tumor-associated fatigue. Medical interventions include steroids or amphetamines, some small studies provide evidence for the usefulness of amphetamines in the treatment of fatigue. Aim of this placebo-controlled, double blind study was to analyse the effect of methylphenidate on the EEG-vigilance regulation in patients with malignant tumor-associated fatigue. Resting-EEG was conducted to assess the vigilance stages while fatigue symptoms were evaluated by Multiple Fatigue Inventory. Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to control for depressive symptoms. Here we report findings of the association between fatigue symptoms and EEG-vigilance as well as results of the comparison between patients who received placebo and those who were treated with metamphetamine concerning their EEG-vigilance before and after medication.