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Tricyclic Antidepressants Affect Motor Functioning In Depressed Patients

Tricyclic antidepressant drugs (TCAs) could have one of two effects on fine motor functioning in depressed patients.

They either adversely affect motor functioning or are simply less effective than selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating motor retardation.

German researchers assessed the effects of TCAs and SSRIs on fine motor movements in patients with major depressive disorder. They examined the effects of each drug on the handwriting movements of patients.

"Psychomotor retardation is a common symptom of patients with major depressive disorder," they explain.

The effects of antidepressants on psychomotor functioning have not been fully researched.

Investigators from the University of Regensberg analysed kinematic data on the automated handwriting of 18 depressed patients taking TCAs, 18 depressed patients taking SSRIs and 18 healthy subjects.

They matched participants in each group by age, sex, handedness and education level.

Each participant performed a simple writing task. Researchers measured the movement time, velocity and acceleration of movement involved using a digitising tablet.

"Statistical analysis of writing movements revealed motor slowing in patients receiving TCAs," the researchers say.

"In comparison with both healthy subjects and patients receiving SSRIs, the TCA group displayed an increased movement time, reduced automation of writing, lower maximum velocities and reduced acceleration of descending strokes."

Investigators concluded TCAs either have adverse effects on motor functioning or are less effective than SSRIs in treating motor retardation.
Psychopharmacology, 2002; 159: 211-215. "The impact of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors on handwriting movements of patients with depression"

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