The change of prefrontal QEEG theta cordance as a predictor of response to bupropion treatment in patients who had failed to respond to previous antidepressant treatments

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine whether the reduction of theta prefrontal quantitative EEG (QEEG) cordance after one week of bupropion administration is a predictor of response to a 4-week treatment in patients that had failed to respond to previous antidepressant treatments.

Method: EEG data of 18 inpatients were monitored at baseline and after one week. QEEG cordance was computed at 3 frontal electrodes (Fp1, Fp2, Fz). Response to treatment was defined as a >/=50% reduction of MADRS score.

Results: Nine of the eleven responders and one of the seven non-responders showed decreased prefrontal cordance value after the first week of treatment (p=0.01). Positive and negative predictive values of cordance reduction for the prediction of response to the treatment were 0.9 and 0.75, respectively.

Conclusion: Similar to other antidepressants, the reduction of prefrontal QEEG cordance might be helpful in the prediction of the acute outcome of bupropion treatment.