'Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)'
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess whether the possible loss of circadian rhythm, a modulator of heart rate, is associated with the severity of depression. For that, Cosinor fitting method was applied to heart rate data of 203 patients with major depressive disorder, recorded continuously over 18 months by a wearable device. Results revealed that the amplitude derived from the Cosinor fit is significantly lower in patients with severe depression, implying a loss in circadian rhythmicity when depression is severe
