Sleep deprivation therapy in depression

Abstract

A study of sleep deprivation therapy was made in 62 females and 15 males, aged 20-72, with monopolar (60 patients) and bipolar (17 patients) types of manic-depressive psychosis. Of these patients, 30 had suffered only the current depression, 29 a maximum of five depressions, and 18 more than five depressions before the sleep deprivation therapy. Twenty-five patients had been treated with antidepressant drugs for less than 10 days, 12 patients for 10-24 days, and 36 patients for more than 24 days. Twenty-four patients were treated with one sleep deprivation, 29 patients with one sleep deprivations per week (average 1.59), and 24 patients with two sleep deprivations per week (average 2.5). The effect of the sleep deprivation therapy was evaluated clinically and by means of Cronholm-Ottosson's rating scale. The effect was found good and lasting in 29%, good but temporary in 38%, and poor in 32% of the cases. The best results were achieved with twice-weekly treatments, the poorest results with once-weekly treatment. The results were equal in monopolar and bipolar cases and were independent of the number of previous depressions as well as antidepressant drug treatment. No side effects have been observed, in particular no conversion to mania. The results of the present investigation indicate that depression and sleep disturbances are symptoms produced by a common factor which, however, it as yet unknown. Sleep deprivation therapy is seen to have at least some effect on all cases of endogenous depression. Sleep deprivation therapy has no side effects and is more quick-acting than any other treatment procedure hitherto known. It should therefore be considered the first treatment offer to all endogenously depressed patients in whom immediate ECT is not necessitated.