Article Title

Ultradian Cycles of Mood in Normal and Depressed Subjects

Authors

Donald P. Hall Jr., M.D., Combat Stress Center, Fort Bragg, N.C.Follow
David Benedek M.D., Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Audrey Chang, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C.

Abstract

Objective: To study ultradian cycles of mood in four inpatient groups.

Method: We assessed the mood of depressed and nondepressed subjects, on an hourly basis, between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for two consecutive days using a visual analog scale of mood. Hourly mood scores for each group were plotted against time.

Results: We found ultradian cycles with mean lengths of 3-4 hours in all groups. The major depressive episode and adjustment disorder depression groups, however, had ultradian cycles of significantly greater amplitude than ward staff.

Conclusions: Depressed patients demonstrate greater amplitude in ultradian cycles of mood than nondepressed subjects.

Recommended Citation

Hall, Donald P. Jr., M.D.; Benedek, David M.D.; and Chang, Audrey (1996) "Ultradian Cycles of Mood in Normal and Depressed Subjects," Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry: Vol. 13: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29046/JJP.013.1.002
Available at: https://jdc.jefferson.edu/jeffjpsychiatry/vol13/iss1/3