Amplitude changes of the N1 and the N1/P2 ERP component in response to different tone intensities have been suggested as a correlative of central serotonergic activity. A strong loudness dependence amplitude increase (strong intensity dependence) reflects low serotonergic neurotransmission and vice versa. Many researchers assumed that the brain serotonergic activity could influence treatment response of highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depression and anxiety disorders. There are a couple of studies reporting associations of N1 amplitude intensity dependence with response to Citalopram (positive correlation) and Reboxetine (negative correlation) treatment in major depressive disorder patients. But so far there have been no reports about associations between ERP N1 and antidepressant response in GAD patients. So, it would be very interesting to explore the correlations between ERP N1 amplitude change and the Escitalopram treatment responsiveness in GAD patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
35
* Start with escitalopram 10mg * According to patient's symptoms, stay on 10mg or increase up to 20mg * Concomitant therapy : up to Xanax 0.5mg, or Ativan 1mg, not allowed above these dosages * Length of washout period will be at least 2 weeks for any psychotropic drugs
Psychiatry department, Inje Univ. Ilsanpaik Hospital
Goyang, Kyunggi, South Korea
Event related potential (ERP) N100
Time frame: Baseline
- HAMA - HAMD - CGI - Beck Anxiety Inventory(self rating)
Time frame: baseline, 2, 4, 8 weeks
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