EEG gamma synchronization is associated with response to paroxetine treatment

Abstract

Background: Resistance to medication is a significant problem in psychiatric practice, and effective methods for predicting response are needed to optimize treatment efficacy and limit morbidity. Gamma oscillations are considered as an index of the brain's general cognitive activity; however, the role of gamma oscillations in disease has not been studied sufficiently.

Aim: This study aimed to determine if gamma power during rest can be used to predict response to anti-depressant medication treatment.

Method: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score and resting state gamma power was measured in 18 medication-free patients during an episode of major depression. After 6 weeks of paroxetine monotherapy HDRS was administered again.

Results: Baseline gamma power at frontal, central and temporal electrodes before treatment was significantly related to post-treatment change in HDRS scores.

Conclusion: The results indicate that gamma oscillations could be considered a marker of response to paroxetine treatment in patients with major depression.

Keywords: Paroxetine; Personalized medicine; Quantitative EEG; Treatment response.