Higher 5-HT_1A receptor binding potential during a major depressive episode predicts poor treatment response: Preliminary data from a naturalistic study

Serotonin 1A (5-HT_1A) binding potential (BP) as assessed by positron emission tomography (PET) is higher in major depressive disorder (MDD) in association with the higher expressing GG genotype of the 5-HT_1A C-1019G polymorphism. We hypothesize that higher 5-HT_1A BP and the GG genotype predict remission failure on antidepressant treatment. We determined 5-HT_1A BP by PET and 5-HT_1A C-1019G genotype in 43 controls and 22 medication-free MDD subjects. MDD was treated naturalistically and remission was defined as >50% reduction and a score of ≤10 on the 24 item Hamilton Scale 1 year after initiation of treatment after scanning. Despite equivalent treatment, nonremitters have higher pretreatment cortical BP and the GG genotype is over-represented compared with remitters. Higher 5-HT _1A BP, perhaps due to greater gene expression, may predict antidepressant medication nonremission. The findings should be tested in a controlled prospective treatment study.