Antidepressant-Induced Apathy in Adolescents with a Depressive Episode While Taking Sertraline: Results of 8-Week Observational Study with Pharmacogenetic Testing for CYP2C19

<b>Objectives</b>. The aim of our study was to track changes in ODQ scores in adolescents with depressive episodes taking sertraline, depending on <i>CYP2C19</i> polymorphisms. <b>Methods</b>. This study included 88 adolescents (88% were female) aged 12-17 who were prescribed sertraline. Emotional blunting was assessed using the Oxford Depression Questionnaire (ODQ) scale when the antidepressant was prescribed, after one, three, and 8 weeks, taking into account other medications used. Part 3 of the ODQ scale assessed the changes that occurred after the prescription of an antidepressant. All patients were genotyped for <i>CYP2C19*2</i>, <i>*3</i>, and <i>*17</i>. Based on genotypes, the phenotypes of the CYP2C19 isoenzyme were determined. <b>Results</b>. The ODQ score at the time of enrollment was higher (65[50;79] points) compared with after 8 weeks (38.5[32.5;56.5] points). Part 3 of the ODQ-26 questionnaire remained approximately the same for 8 weeks. Patients with higher ODQ-26 values at enrollment (73[56;83] vs. 59[44;71] points) were more likely to be prescribed antipsychotics. Differences in ODQ scores remained significant up to 3 weeks after enrollment (50.5[41.5;68] vs. 45.5[36;54] points). The comparison of ODQ scores and their dynamics did not show significant differences depending on <i>CYP2C19*2</i> or <i>*17</i> polymorphisms, or the type of CYP2C19 metabolism. <b>Conclusions</b>. There was no increase in emotional blunting according to the ODQ score among adolescents with depression who took sertraline for eight weeks. No significant correlations were found between the carrier status of <i>CYP2C19</i> gene variants and the development of apathy induced by antidepressants.