The influence of prolactin response to d-fenfluramine on executive functioning in major depression

Background: The main purpose of this study was to assess the influence of s erotonergic activity, as measured by prolactin response to d-fenfluramine, on executive functioning in major depression. Methods: Forty-one persons between 22 and 71 years of age who met the DSM-I V criteria for major depressive episode were administered the Wisconsin Car d Sorting Test (WCST) in computerized format, and d-fenfluramine was admini stered orally. Postfenfluramine blood samples for ascertaining plasma prola ctin levels were obtained, Results: The key finding was that prolactin response was positively related to four out of five selected WCST variables. Also, increasing age was asso ciated with decreasing WCST performance, There was no interaction between p rolactin response and age, indicating that the effects of prolactin respons e on the WCST generalized across the age range examined Conclusions: The overall pattern of results suggests that there may be a re lationship between serotonergic activity and executive functioning in major depression. Biol Psychiatry 1999;46:512-517 (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.