Abstract
Background: The loudness dependence of auditory evoked potentials (LDAEP) serves as a measure of central serotonergic function (1). Aim of this study was to investigate the long term effects of serotonergic versus noradrenergic drugs on LDAEP. Methods: Patients with major depressive episode were included into a 4-week treatment study with either the serotonergic agent citalopram (CP) or the noradrenergic antidepressant reboxetine (RX). LDAEP studies and clinical assessments (HAM-D scores) were performed at baseline and during follow up. Results: 39 patients (21 CP, 18 RX) were prospectively investigated. Baseline-LDAEP and -HAM-D scores did not differ significantly between the groups. Under medication there was no significant change in LDAEP in neither group (CP/RX, each stratified according to treatment responses), nor were there significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: Antidepressive medication and/or change in clinical symptoms do not seem to significantly alter the LDAEP in depressed patients. Implications regarding serotonergic function will be discussed. 1. Hegerl, U. et al. J Affect Disord. 62 (2001):93–100.
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