[Prediction of the effect of antidepressants in patients with endogenous depression]

The motor activity and changes in the latent periods of motor responses were studied in 100 patients with circular and involutional depression, following a single administration of 50 mg of melipramine. A certain correlation was found between the degree of impairment of lability of neural processes and the therapeutic activity of antidepressants. The latter's use was more advisable in patients with milder inertia of neural processes. Four prognostic criteria enabling a reliable prognosis of the immediate effect of amitriptyline and melipramine have been ascertained. These include the speed of formation of a motor stereotype, a sufficient rate of motor responses, and reduction of their latent periods following a single administration of 50 mg of melipramine.