Clinical and electromyographic characteristics of tremor in patients with depression

The aim of this investigation was to establish the clinical and electromyog raphic pattern of tremor in patients with depression. Twenty-eight patients with depression and tremor and 30 patients with tremo r and generalized anxiety disorder were investigated. Tremor was scored cli nically by the Webster Tremor Scale. Electromyographic examination of tremo r activity from antagonistic hand muscles was performed. Our results revealed in both groups of patients a postural and kinetic trem or with characteristics of an enhanced physiological tremor. Tremor involve d only both upper limbs and no other body parts in all patients. In conclusion tremor in depression and generalized anxiety disorder is an e nhanced physiological tremor. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.