[Several critical aspects of the value of peripheral markers in depression (TRH test and dexamethasone depression)]. / Quelques aspects critiques sur la valeur des marqueurs périphériques dans la dépression (TRH test et freination à la dexaméthasone).

Studies of depression carried out for over 10 years have led to the discovery of biological tracers for depression. The authors have performed numerous TRH and dexamethasone tests and in their opinion, the present enthusiasm for these tests should be tempered. In several aspects the various values attributed to them seem to be questionable. Owing to the difficulty in codifying these tests, the authors question their diagnostic, pronostic, therapeutic and predictive values. The authors' own experience as well as the evolution of the publications throughout the world have been taken into consideration. Finally, the problem of interferences and the doubtful specificity of endocrine tests for depression have been dealt with.

[Neurological complications of tricyclic antidepressive agents]. / Complications neurologiques des antidépresseurs tricycliques.

The tricyclics are antidepressive drugs in widest use today. They are one of the most effective of the psychotropic agents and would be used more often if it was not for the complications. In this article we consider the neurological stimulation that results in undesirable cardio-vascular responses that are the main side-effects of these drugs. First, a brief statement is made about the action of the antidepressive drugs on the synapses for both their therapeutic effects and their side-effects are produced at this level. Despite the many patterns of complications that can occur, it is important to remember that these drugs are still very useful in managing depression and they should be the treatment of choice in depressive syndromes.