Study of Rotatory Vestibular Tests in Major Depression Patients and Healthy Control Subjects.

Study of Rotatory Vestibular Tests in Major Depression Patients and Healthy Control Subjects.

This study evaluates the vestibular activity in major depression patients and healthy controls using the rotatory test and electronystagmography.

Previous studies showed abnormal vestibular activity in major depression patients using caloric vestibular tests. The present study investigates the vestibular response to vestibular rotatory tests in major depression subjects and healthy controls.

Inclusion Criteria:

• male and females adults (18 years or older)
• met the Diagnosing and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-R, American Psychiatric Association, 2000) criterion.
• had a score of 12 or more in the Hamilton Rating Scale, 21 items for Depression.
• with or without actual pharmacological treatment, except benzodiazepines that were suspended 24 hours before the rotary test when corresponding.

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant women
• neurologic disorders.