Objective: To investigate P300 and contingent negative variations (CNV) of patients with affective disorder and its clinical significance.
Methods: 39 depressives, 22 maniacs and 33 normal controls were included in this study. Both P300 and CNV were recorded in every subject, using a nicolet spirit instrument.
Results: Both depression and mania groups presented prolonged P300-P3b latency and decreased P300-P3 and CNV amplitudes compared with normal controls. Decreased P300 & CNV amplitudes were further related to the history of suicide behavior in the two patient groups.
Conclusion: The clinical significance of event-related potentials was confirmed in this study, while the biological correlates of suicide behavior need further and intensive study.