Laboratory of Brain, Behavior, and Pharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, 760 Westwood Plaza, Rm. 37-359, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, USA. amhunter@ucla.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Brain functional changes during placebo lead-in have been associated with antidepressant response in clinical trials for major depressive disorder (MDD); however, the relationship between such non-pharmacodynamic changes in brain function and changes in specific symptoms is unknown. METHOD: Fifty-eight adults with MDD completed a 1-week single-blind placebo lead-in preceding 8 weeks of double-blind randomized treatment with fluoxetine or venlafaxine (n = 30) or placebo (n = 28). Brain functional change during lead-in was assessed using quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) prefrontal theta-band cordance. Symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). RESULTS: The multiple regression model examining the qEEG parameter in relation to SCL-90-R subscales was significant [F(9,9) = 4.27, P = 0.021, R(2) = 0.81] in females, with a significant association for the interpersonal sensitivity subscale (beta coefficient = 1.94, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prefrontal neurophysiologic change during placebo lead-in may indicate subsequent antidepressant-related improvement in symptoms of interpersonal sensitivity.