Abnormal asymmetry of N200 and P300 event-related potentials in subclinical depression

Sex differences for depression in prevalence and symptom profile may in part be due to differences between men and women in brain dysfunction associated with the disorder. Changes in event-related potential (ERP) measures similar to those seen in clinical populations are reported in subclinical or premorbid forms of depression. The current study investigates sex differences in ERPs associated with subclinical depression. One-hundred-and-forty healthy, right-handed adults (aged 20–60 years; screened to exclude clinical depression and psychosis) completed an auditory oddball task and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Seventy (n = 35 men) subclinically depressed (SD) (i.e. scoring > 2 for depression on DASS) participants were matched for age and education with 70 (n = 35 men) participants showing no signs of depression (ND). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to test for differences in N200 and P300 amplitude between SD and ND groups. ND, but not SD groups had asymmetry (R > L) of central N200 amplitude. Similar asymmetry was seen in ND, but not SD men at posterior sites. SD groups demonstrated left > right posterior P300 amplitude asymmetry due to P300 enhancement at left temporoparietal sites. Results support involvement of various cognitive mechanisms measured by P300 and N200 in subclinical depressive symptoms some of which may rely on sex.