Event-related potential amplitude/intensity slopes predict response to antidepressants

We measured event-related potential (ERP) component amplitudes to four intensities of randomly presented tones. Patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were tested prior to and following a clinical trial of antidepressant medication. Slope of P2 amplitude as a function of stimulus intensity was calculated for each subject and condition. Subjects were divided into two groups (responders and nonresponders) based on their Hamilton Rating Scale for depression scores following treatment. Responders had significantly larger P2 slopes prior to treatment than did nonresponders. P2 slopes did not differ significantly between responders and nonresponders following antidepressant treatment. These data support the conclusion that P2 amplitude/intensity slope may be a predictor of response to treatment with antidepressant medication.