REM Deprivation

Abstract

THE FINDINGS that schizophrenics are not psychologically harmed by rapid eye movement (REM) deprivation and that they respond physiologically to REM deprivation in the same way as nonschizophrenics¹ dissuaded us from the prevailing view that REM deprivation is a causal factor in psychosis. As a result, we began to consider the possibility of other effects of REM deprivation, The present study was designed to explore the hypothesis that REM deprivation will relieve the symptoms of depression. Five lines of evidence led to this hypothesis. (1) The major chemical antidepressants (imipramine,^2,3 amitriptyline hydrochloride [Elavil Hydrochloride] ,⁴ monoamine oxidase [MAO]^5,6 inhibitors, and amphetamines)⁷ are potent REM deprivers. (2) Electroshock therapy (EST) ,^8-10 an efficacious antidepressant, is a potent REM depriver. (3) Reserpine, which can induce depression, elevates REM time in man.⁴ Thus, these three findings suggest that a prolonged decrease of