Somatosensory Processing in Depression

Influence of Escitalopram on Somatosensory Processing in Patients With Major Depression

Aim of this study is to investigate neuronal differences (EEG/evoked potentials; functional MRI) between patients with major depression and healthy controls concerning brain activity after acute pain as well as changes of pain related brain activity during treatment with escitalopram.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Psychiatric in or outpatients with acute depressive episode
• Indication for pharmacological treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute suicidal tendency
• Neurological or severe somatic disorders
• Women during pregnancy or lactation