Pupillometry in clinical psychophysiological diagnostics: methodology and proposals for application in psychiatry

The change in pupillary reactions may be considered as an important parameter of the autonomic nervous system. By means of pupillometry, it became possible to measure both objectively and economically these reactions. The method of microprocessor-assisted "static" and light evoked "dynamic" pupillometry is demonstrated. A high reliability for the static variable of pupillometry was also evaluated. Variables measured during "static and dynamic" pupillometry were factor-analyzed. Four factors (static, dynamic, stimulus specific and restitution dependent) were obtained regardless of whether investigations were carried out in normals or in psychiatric patients. Examples of utilization of pupillometry in psychopharmacology and mental disorders are also described in this essay.