R.I.S.A. in organic depression

Nineteen patients suffering from organic secondary depression, resistant to antidepressive drugs, were studied. Depression was clinically manifested by apathy, melancholy, lack of initiative, constriction and retardation in psycho-motor behaviour; signs which are found in both organic and depressive states. RISA cisternography was pathological in all cases and showed retarded flow with parasagittal delayed absorption from 48 hours to 72 hours. Psychodiagnostic tests (Bender, W.A.I.S., Rorschach) revealed organic syndrome in 12 out of 13 patients. Other laboratory examinations including metabolic, C.S.F. and E.E.G., were not pathognomonic. Review of the literature and theoretical consideration on C.S.F. dynamics allow us to suggest that the delay flow of RISA detected in our patients correlates with cortical atrophy. The psychodiagnostic tests support the same conclusion. Depression may be the only overt clinical expression of suspected cortical atrophy. Psychodiagnostic tests administered early may contribute to a proper diagnosis of these patients.