Neurophysiologic Changes in Patients With Bipolar Depression

Exploring Alterations of Central Autonomic Modulation in Patients With Bipolar Depression

• To examine differences in neurophysiologic parameters between unmedicated patients with bipolar depression and healthy controls
• To examine within-subject changes in neurophysiologic parameters in patients with bipolar depression treated with quetiapine

• Alterations of neurophysiologic regulation has been suggested in patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorders
• Depressive phase of bipolar disorder shows multi-faceted characteristics different from unipolar depression
• Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic licensed for treatment of bipolar depression
• The aim of this study is to investigate the pattern of neurophysiologic dysregulation in bipolar depression and its changes induced by quetiapine treatment

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-IV bipolar disorder I or II
• Depressive phase
• Drug-naive or drug-free

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious medical or neurological conditions
• DSM-IV substance-related disorders (within 12 months prior to participation)
• Mentally retarded