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
