have you also considered a potential correlation between anxiety and depression?
when I get too nervous and begin having mild anxiety attacks, I tend to not accomplish too many tasks at hand- which may further exacerbates the depression state.
however, i've recently tried picamilon- which has helped me calm down and get things done, etc.
which leads me to my broader point here: i think the idea of "getting things done" contributing to treating depression may explain your happiness found in increased motivation after taking modafinil.
this speaks volume for the idea that one should not just target depression with nootropics. instead, one should use the nootropics to help facilitate a deeper sense of "meaning and worth" in life.
I apologize if that seems "preachy" but I think when looking for more sustainable solutions to depression, more abstract anecdotes such as "meaning" and relationships can be very powerful.
"feeling good and accomplished" after finishing everything you wanted to do that day is a micro-example of sustainable happiness rooted in an accomplished and meaningful life.
that is probably why HyperHydrosis insists that chronic and excessive masturbation is probably NOT the path to take for someone seeking to battle depression in a more concrete and sustainable fashion. yes, the few seconds of "relief" may seem to alleviate the depression for the moment. but it's transient. people in today's society are too used to the "quick fix". now i'm all for nootropics (clearly) but i personally think it's critical to look at them as "means to an end", not simply the ends to eradicating depression.
hope my 2cents here brings some light to this nasty issue of depression