[Circulatory function in depression with the circadian rhythm uninfluenced or modified (author's transl)]

The effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on the altered circadian rhythm of endogenous-depressed patients has been investigated. 61 patients (39 endogenous- and 22 neurotic-depressed) with normal cardio-circulatory activities were tested: During SD-night pulse rate is less lowered in endogenous than in neurotic depression. The increase of systolic blood pressure is quicker and higher in endogenous than in neurotic depression. - Surveying the patients for 72 h (before, during and after SD), pulse rate in endogenous- and neurotic-depressed is less markedly fluctuating than in normal individuals. There is a close connection between the circadian fluctuationsof the depressive symptoms and of the pulse rates. The more SD improves depressive symptoms the more it also flattens the wave of pulse rates. - The circadian courses of systolic blood pressure in endogenous- and neurotic-depressed and in normal subjects are nearly the same. SD markedly flattens the circadian rhythm of blood pressure. In neurotic depression, SD does not clearly alter the course of pulse and blood pressure rates.