RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated whether it is possible to predict the medium term response to venlafaxine using biological markers and psychophysiological methods. MATERIAL: Fourteen (14) patients aged 21-60 years suffering from Major Depression according to DSM-IV were included in the study. METHODS: The SCAN v 2.0 and the IPDE were used to assist clinical diagnosis. Patients were investigated with electrooculogram (EOG), Pattern-Reversal Visual Evoked Potentials (PR-VEPs), Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), D-fenfluramine Challenge Test, and brain Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT). Venlafaxine 150-225 mg per os daily was administered. The follow-up period was 2 years. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test and ANOVA were used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: There was a lower left globus pallidus regional cerebral blood flow in patients with better response. On the contrary, chronic patients were closer to normality. DISCUSSION: The results of the current study provide preliminary evidence concerning our ability to predict response to venlafaxine and to understand its way of action.