Complete evaluation of retinal function in Major Depressive Disorder: From central slowdown to hyperactive periphery.
J Affect Disord 2021;
295:453-462. [PMID:
34507226 DOI:
10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.054]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Developing easy-to-access biomarkers is crucial in Major Depressive Disorder. The retina has already been suggested as relevant. However, there is a need for a global and local assessment of whole retinal function using a reproducible, standardized protocol allowing for comparison across studies. Our aim is to assess whole retinal function in patients with actual unipolar Major Depressive Episode (MDE) using pattern, flash and multifocal electroretinogram (ERG) according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standardized protocols.
METHODS
We assessed retinal function in 14 males and females with MDE, diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and in age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
RESULTS
Comparing the patients with the controls, we observed the following using multifocal ERG: a significant increase in N1 peak time in ring 3 and a decrease in P1 amplitude in ring 2; using pattern ERG: a significant increase in P50 peak time; using flash ERG: a decrease in a- and b-wave peak time and an increase in the b-wave amplitude in dark-adapted 3.0, a decrease in a- and b-wave peak time and an increase in both wave amplitudes in light-adapted 3.0, and a decrease in the b-wave peak time in light-adapted flicker.
LIMITATIONS
Sample size. Contribution of pharmacological treatments to the outcomes cannot be formally excluded.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with MDE exhibit delayed signaling in the central retina and hyperreactivity to light in the periphery. Central retinal function may be a marker of psychomotor retardation and cognitive impairment in MDE.
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