A comparative evaluation of resting state proxies of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity in adolescent major depression.

Moretta, Tania; Kaess, Michael; Koenig, Julian (2023). A comparative evaluation of resting state proxies of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity in adolescent major depression. Journal of neural transmission, 130(2), pp. 135-144. Springer 10.1007/s00702-022-02577-3

[img] Text
s00702-022-02577-3.pdf - Published Version
Restricted to registered users only
Available under License Publisher holds Copyright.
Author holds Copyright

Download (1MB) | Request a copy

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, characterized by decreased parasympathetic (PNS) and increased sympathetic (SNS) activity. Although findings on reduced PNS activity in adult MDD have been replicated in adolescents, comprehensive studies assessing PNS and SNS proxies in underage patients with MDD are scarce. Proxies of resting PNS (heart rate variability (HRV) and SNS activity (skin conductance response [SCR] and salivary alpha amylase [sAA], as well as mixed activity (heart rate [HR]) were collected in adolescents with MDD (n = 29) and non-depressed controls (n = 29). Primary analyses addressed differences between groups and correlations with depression severity. Patients with MDD showed significantly decreased HRV (g = - 0.87; 95% CI [- 1.39; - 0.35]) and increased HR (g = 0.66; 95% CI [0.14; 1.18]). Proxies of pure SNS activity showed no significant differences between groups. HR (positive) and HRV (negative) were significantly correlated with self- and clinician-rated depression severity. Alterations of ANS activity are evident in adolescent MDD, but characterized by decreased PNS activity only. We found no evidence for altered SNS activity. Findings suggest that ANS dysfunction early in the course of MDD might be predominantly driven by decreased PNS activity.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Original Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > University Psychiatric Services > University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

UniBE Contributor:

Kaess, Michael, Koenig, Julian

Subjects:

600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health

ISSN:

1435-1463

Publisher:

Springer

Language:

English

Submitter:

Pubmed Import

Date Deposited:

16 Jan 2023 12:36

Last Modified:

07 Feb 2023 00:15

Publisher DOI:

10.1007/s00702-022-02577-3

PubMed ID:

36629967

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Adolescents Autonomic nervous system Major depressive disorder Parasympathetic nervous system Sympathetic nervous system

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/177257

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/177257

Actions (login required)

Edit item Edit item
Provide Feedback