Pharmacopsychiatry 2017; 50(05): 213-227
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606397
Abstracts
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Retinal dysfunction of contrast processing in depressive disorder

Authors

  • E Friedel

    1   Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

  • M Bach

    2   Eye Center – Medical Center, Medical Center – Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

  • L Tebartz van Elst

    1   Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – Albert-Ludwigs-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

  • E Bubl

    3   Visual Neuroscience, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
12 September 2017 (online)

Also available at
 

“Depression feels grey” – this frequent description by patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may have a neural basis in impaired contrast processing, possibly due to altered dopamine levels. We here present extended evidence that the Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG – a ganglion cell function correlate) is markedly reduced, relevant even on a single patient basis.

Purpose:

Due to conflicting evidence we re-assessed the contrast processing of MDD patients at multiple levels, evaluating the visual signal transduction on the retinal basis with the PERG, at cortical stages with the VEP (visual evoked potentials) and psychophysically using a Landolt-C-based contrast test.

Results:

The PERG-based contrast gain from the MDD patients (N = 17) was significantly reduced (down to 75%, p = 0.003) compared to the matched healthy controls (N = 17), whilst the VEP and the contrast sensitivity remained unchanged.

Conclusion:

Considering our results and recent findings from a study of 2017, describing alterations in the flash-ERG of patients with MDD, we assume the modulation in the visual signal transduction at the retinal level, to be a robust marker for depression. The steady results at higher levels (VEP and contrast sensitivity) may point to normal functioning contrast gain control or reflect higher-order compensatory mechanisms. With respect to the application as an objective marker, the PERG might have the advantage of being a low level signal.