ERP N1 as a Treatment Predictor of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
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.