Aspects of short REM latency in affective states: a revisit

Electroencephalographic (EEG) sleep changes in affective disorders have been characterized by sleep continuity, slow wave sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM) abnormalities. The most commonly cited feature, however, has been shortened REM latency. Because the diagnostic and prognostic significance of shortened REM latency has been debated, this issue was reexamined in a group of 186 psychotic and nonpsychotic depressed inpatients and outpatients. The analyses suggest an increased frequency of sleep onset REM periods in psychotic depression and in elderly depressed patients (psychotic or nonpsychotic).