The possibility of the deterioration of autonomic nerve activity in depression

Patients with depression are often troubled by various physical symptoms as well as feelings of dejection. Some of the physical symptoms are related to the autonomic nervous system. In this study, we tried to estimate the activity of the autonomic nerves in depression by measuring motor activity and R-R interval. Our results suggest that the activity of the sympathetic nerves is higher and that of the vagal nerves system is lower in depressive state.