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Pharmacopsychiatry 2005; 38(3): 139-143
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-864126
Original Paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Intensity Dependence of Auditory Evoked ERP Components Predicts Responsiveness to Reboxetine Treatment in Major Depression

T. Linka1 , B. W. Müller1 , S. Bender1 , G. Sartory2 , M. Gastpar1
  • 1Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Rheinische Kliniken Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
  • 2Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 23.7.2004 Revised: 5.10.2004

Accepted: 15.11.2004

Publication Date:
18 May 2005 (online)

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Introduction: The intensity (loudness)-dependent amplitude change (IDAP) of auditory evoked event-related potential (ERP) components has been suggested as an indicator of central serotonergic neurotransmission. In patients with major depression, associations of high IDAP with favorable SSRI treatment outcome have been reported. This is the first study to assess the predictive value of the IDAP in SNRI treatment. Methods: We evaluated the pre-treatment intensity-dependent change of auditory evoked P1, N1, P2, and P1/N1 and N1/P2 peak-to-peak amplitudes in 14 inpatients with major depressive episode (DSM IV) in the course of 24 days of treatment with the SNRI reboxetine (6-12 mg/d). Results: Our data revealed a highly significant correlation between lower intensity-dependent N1 amplitude slopes prior to reboxetine treatment and stronger decrease of HDRS total score at Fz (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), Fcz (r = 0.91, P < 0.001), and Cz (r = 0.93, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This result corroborates the hypothesis of the IDAP as a differential indicator of serotonergic versus noradrenergic antidepressant psychopharmacotherapy.

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Thomas Linka, MD

Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

University of Duisburg-Essen

Virchowstrasse 174

45147 Essen

Germany

Phone: +49 201 7227 226

Fax: +49 201 7227 303

Email: thomas.linka@uni-essen.de