Memantine Augmentation for Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

In 30 seconds

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed memantine's efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for obsessive-compulsive symptoms in 46 patients with bipolar disorder. The memantine group demonstrated a significant reduction in Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale scores compared to placebo, with a Cohen d of 1.57.

Key findings

• Memantine group had a Cohen d of 1.57 in Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale scores.
• Placebo group had a Cohen d of 0.42.
• P-value for the difference was less than 0.001.
• Nausea was the most common side effect reported.

Why it matters

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in bipolar disorder can complicate treatment. This study suggests that memantine may provide a beneficial adjunctive option, potentially improving patient outcomes.