Dopaminergic Agents and Stimulants as Antidepressant Augmentation Strategies

Dopaminergic agents and stimulants have been used to manage depression when conventional antidepressanttreatments fail. We reviewed evidence for the role of dopaminergic dysfunction in depression,the use of dopaminergic agents as antidepressants, and the use of dopaminergic agents andstimulants as antidepressant adjuncts. Dopamine may be part of the pathophysiology of depression fora subset of patients. When used with caution and an appreciation of the potential risk of abuse, dopaminergicagents and stimulants may be useful for patients refractory to antidepressants alone.