[Evaluation by evoked potentials of attentional abilities in patients with depression under amoxapine or imipramine]

ERPs are described as a new dependent variable class allowing a dynamic exploration of cognitive activities. Attentional processes play a fundamental role in those activities. An original conception of attention is outlined. In this view, attention is considered as responsible of managing of different cognitive processes. The interest of attentional impairment assessment with ERPs particularly in psychiatric disorders such as depression is underlined. This is illustrated by Buchsbaum M.S. et al. (1988) study. These authors recorded EPs, during a continuous performance test, in 3 groups of depressive patients under amoxapine, imipramine or placebo. Results showed in the amoxapine group and enhanced N120 amplitude in midline and right parietal cortex. In normal subjects, an amplitude increase in those areas usually reflects a selective attention effect. Behavioral performance was improved in the amoxapine group compared to that of patients who received imipramine or placebo. This improvement as soon as 48 h after drug administration could be related to the higher amoxapine affinity for serotonin S2 receptors.