Skin conductance characteristics of depressed subjects before and after therapeutic intervention

Three hypotheses were tested in a population of depressed patients: a) electrical skin conductance levels and responses are lower in depressed individuals; b) skin conductance levels and responses are lower in the right hand than the left hand of right-handed depressed individuals; and c) skin conductance levels and responses will increase in magnitude after successful therapeutic intervention. The data supported only the first hypothesis. Results may have implications for a trait vs. state differentiation of the depressive process.