ArticleCureus2025
Role of Methylphenidate Augmentation in Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Series.
Article in Cureus, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Review
- A Narrative Review of Augmentation Strategies in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Antipsychotics as Mainstay and Emerging Role of Extended-Release Methylphenidate.Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background Treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (tr-OCD) remains a significant clinical challenge, as many patients fail to respond to conventional serotonergic therapies despite multiple augmentation strategies. Emerging evidence from neurobiological research suggests that dopaminergic dysfunction, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, may contribute to the persistence of OCD symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of methylphenidate (MPH), a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, as an adjunct in patients with tr-OCD. Methodology This case series examines six individuals with tr-OCD who remained symptomatic despite adequate trials of first-line selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and various augmentation strategies. MPH was introduced as an adjunct to their existing pharmacotherapy regimens. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) at baseline and during follow-up over several weeks, with additional clinical judgment supporting therapeutic decisions. Results All six patients demonstrated significant clinical improvement following MPH augmentation. The mean baseline Y-BOCS score was 27.4, which reduced to a mean post-treatment score of 15.1, representing a mean reduction of 12.3 points. Reductions in obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors were observed, alongside improvements in cognitive flexibility and impulse control. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest that dopaminergic augmentation with MPH may offer therapeutic benefits in cases of tr-OCD. The observed improvements support the hypothesis that enhancing prefrontal dopamine availability can positively influence OCD symptomatology. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these results, define optimal dosing strategies, and establish long-term safety and efficacy.
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