Effects of methylphenidate on fatigue and depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Context: Fatigue is highly prevalent in populations with advanced illness and is often associated with depressed mood. The role of psychostimulant therapy in the treatment of these conditions remains ill defined.

Objectives: To evaluate the response of fatigue and depression in patients with advanced illness to titrated doses of methylphenidate (MP) as compared with placebo.

Understanding family responses to life-limiting illness: In-depth interviews with hospice patients and their family members.

Understanding family dynamics is a key component in providing comprehensive care for persons with progressive illnesses and their caregivers. The purpose of this study was to investigate what families experience during an advancing illness and to describe their pattems of response. In-depth interviews (n=108) were conducted with families two weeks after hospice admission.

Final transitions: family caregiving at the end of life.

Background: This study aimed to understand how caregivers make the transition to end-stage caregiving and to illuminate its unique aspects using a stress process model.

Methods: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 74 caregivers of a family member who had been receiving hospice care for at least 2 weeks. Interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and coded for emergent themes using constant comparative analysis.