Sleep deprivation, EEG, and functional MRI in depression: Preliminary results

One night of total or partial sleep deprivation (SD) produces temporary rem issions in 40-60% of patients with major depression. Two unmedicated patien ts with major depression and a matched control received quantitative perfus ion MR images at baseline and after one night of partial SD (PSD). A reduct ion greater than or equal to 30% in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (omitting sleep and weight loss items) defined antidepressant respons e. Theory, techniques, strengths and weaknesses of quantitative perfusion M RI are described in detail. At baseline, the responder exhibited elevated p erfusion covering ventral anterior cingulate/medial frontal cortex; the con trol's maximal perfusion area was markedly smaller. The nonresponder's perf usion was lowest of all, particularly ventrally. PSD decreased perfusion ov er much of the responder's hyperperfused area did not change the nonrespond er's scan. These preliminary findings are consistent with previous SD studi es using PET and SPECT. (C) 2001 American College of Neuropsychopharmacolog y. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.