Depressive Illness, Pulse Rate and Forearm Blood Flow

Abstract

The forearm blood flow and pulse rate of 34 depressed psychiatric in-patients were recorded before and after a course of ECT. In the depressed state low blood flow correlated with `retardation' and `decline in work and interests'. Clinical improvement subsequent to ECT was accompanied by a significant increase in blood flow. It is suggested that depressive illness is associated with an inhibitory effect on muscle blood flow which may be mediated via hypothalamic control.