Autonomic and emotion regulation in bereavement and depression.
OBJECTIVE
Prior research suggests important differences between depression and the depressed feelings experienced in the context of bereavement, despite some overlap. Differences include an increase in restlessness, suggesting underlying physiological differences between the groups.


METHODS
This study examined the level of depressive symptoms, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV), and coping style of 10 bereaved, 10 depressed, and 10 control participants.


RESULTS
Bereaved participants showed significantly higher HR than either depressed or control participants, while there were no such differences in HRV. Level of depression in the bereaved group correlated negatively with HRV. Additional analyses showed that the use of passive coping had a marginally significant negative correlation with HRV in bereaved subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The present data suggest that differences in HR and HRV could be associated with increased cardiovascular fatalities in bereaved individuals, known as the "broken heart phenomenon." These physiological differences have potential implications for both the mental and physical health of the bereaved.
O'Connor
Mary-Frances
MF
Department of Psychology, Building 68, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721, USA.
Allen
John J B
JJ
Kaszniak
Alfred W
AW
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D001601:Bereavement; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male