title: Skin conductance characteristics of depressed subjects before and after therapeutic intervention.
abstract: Three hypotheses were tested in a population of depressed patients: a) electrical skin conductance levels and responses are lower in depressed individuals; b) skin conductance levels and responses are lower in the right hand than the left hand of right-handed depressed individuals; and c) skin conductance levels and responses will increase in magnitude after successful therapeutic intervention. The data supported only the first hypothesis. Results may have implications for a trait vs. state differentiation of the depressive process.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D007839:Functional Laterality; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests