The response to sulpiride in major depression before and after cognitive behavioural therapy: D2 receptor function.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that antidepressant treatment of depression may potentiate dopamine transmission through increased sensitivity of postsynaptic D2 receptors.

Method: D2 receptor function was assessed in 24 patients with major depression before and 16 patients after 16 weeks of treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) using a challenge with a selective D2 antagonist, sulpiride. Four hundred milligrams of sulpiride was administered orally on two test days and response was measured by the change in prolactin levels and changes in self-rating scale measures of mood, anxiety and pleasure.