Sensory Processing Profiles in Depression: Evidence of Dynamic Changes and Clinical Correlates Over 3 Months

Sensory processing difficulties are increasingly recognized in major depressive disorder (MDD), with patients often exhibiting heightened sensitivity, avoidance, and low registration. However, the temporal stability of these patterns-trait vs. state-remains unclear.

In this longitudinal study, 45 adult inpatients with MDD were assessed using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) at admission and 3 months later; 34 completed both assessments. Clinical variables included depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS-17]), anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HARS]), anhedonia (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale [SHAPS]), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory [RSEI]), and psychomotor retardation (Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation [CORE]). Nonparametric tests examined sensory changes and associations with clinical outcomes.

At follow-up, 61.8% of participants showed clinical improvement and 44.1% achieved remission. Significant decreases in low registration and sensory sensitivity, along with increased sensation seeking, indicated that sensory processing is dynamic and partially state-dependent. Sensory avoidance remained stable and was more pronounced in recurrent MDD. Patients with clinical improvement or remission had sensory profiles closer to normative ranges. Higher sensitivity and avoidance correlated with more severe depression, anxiety, and lower self-esteem, while greater sensation seeking was associated with better outcomes.

Sensory processing profiles in MDD are state-dependent and linked to clinical changes. These findings support the relevance of sensory traits as potential clinical markers and therapeutic targets. Personalized interventions addressing sensory processing may contribute to improved treatment outcomes. Further longitudinal and multimodal research is needed to clarify their predictive value. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05686668.