Abstract
Amantadinesulfate is a well known substance which has proven useful in the treatment
and prophylaxis of viral infections, in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease,
cocaine dependence, and apathy in multiple sclerosis. It has also been reported as
having mild antidepressive effects not sufficient to warrant its use as an antidepressant.
Striking antidepressive effects in some patients have been attributed to its antiviral
activity against human Borna disease virus (BDV) infection which is frequently seen
in patients with depressive episodes. In this 8 to 12 week open study of oral amantadine
in 30 depressed patients with various states of BDV infection we found a significant
antidepressive response in 19 of 30. Peripheral BDV antigen indicating acute infection
was cleared in both responders and non-responders, but only in responders peripheral
infection was significantly reduced.
