Neurological soft signs are increased in major depressive disorder irrespective of antidepressant treatment

Introduction Neurological soft signs (NSS) – subtle abnormalities of sensory and motor functions – have previously been associated primarily with schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorders. The significance of NSS in major depressive disorder (MDD), however, has remained unclear. In particular, the stability of NSS in relation to antidepressant treatment has never been investigated.

Methods NSS and depressive symptoms were assessed in chronically depressed, medicated MDD patients before (n= 23) and after (n= 18) a series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In addition, NSS and depressive symptoms were assessed once in acutely depressed, unmedicated MDD patients (n= 16) and healthy controls (n= 20).

Results We found that both chronically depressed, medicated MDD patients and acutely depressed, unmedicated MDD patients showed more NSS than healthy controls. Overall, the degree of NSS in both patient groups did not differ. Across all groups, we also found moderate to large positive correlations of depressive symptoms with NSS, independent of age. Importantly, we found no change in NSS after on average eleven sessions of ECT.

Conclusion The manifestation of NSS in MDD seems to be independent of illness duration and antidepressant treatment. NSS in MDD may represent trait rather than state markers. From a clinical viewpoint, our findings corroborate the neurological safety of ECT.

Conflict of interest

None

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
08. November 2022