Motor activity in depressed patients treated with carbamazepine

Motor activity in 19 depressed patients treated with carbamazepine was assessed using self-contained monitors worn on the wrist. Those whose depression improved demonstrated significant increases in motor activity. Nonresponders as a group did not show decreased motor activity, suggesting that carbamazepine was not producing sedation or hypoactivity at clinically relevant doses. Activity counts were negatively correlated with ratings of global severity of depression on the Bunney-Hamburg Scale and with degree of motor retardation rated on the BPRS during treatment. The selective increases in motor activity in those who improved are consistent with psychomotor changes related to amelioration of depression.