[Utilization of a self-contained psychometry-oriented device, for study of affective and cognitive function of a...

We appraised the possibility to use the Psycho-Log 24, an ambulatory, adapted to chronopsychometry device, which realizes simplified questionnaires and performance test adaptable to each subject; this device has dimensions like a pocketbook; its storage capacity is compatible with a long time use. 9 adult volunteers (8 healthy subjects and 1 depressive patient) participated to this study. All of them effected reaction times (TRS) during 3 to 31 days at the rate of at least 4 sessions/day; some of them completed mental calculations (CM), letters cancellations (BRL) and auto-estimation scales (from 1 to 9 items, also measured by a classic method). For TRS and all the subjects, the frequencies histograms calculated by hour and on a 24 h scale, showed a bimodal variation, with a major peak suggesting a circadian rhythm. 5 subjects had different time for the daily best performances of each hand (shifted from 5 to 12 h). In the healthy adults, for BRL and CM, the best performances in speed and precision are shifted and could be related to the "fatigue" auto-estimated peaks. There is a significant correlation between auto-estimations by Psycho-Log and the classic method. The coherence between the auto-estimations of the depressive subject is strong during the remission stage, and lower during the relapse stage. The used method seems an effective mean to know the temporal structure of the cognitive and affective functions of a subject, and to estimate the preserving of this structure; the method first could constitute an exploratory mean for an objective evaluation of the drugs effects and patients quality of life, secondly could be implicated in researches with diagnosis target.