Evaluation of the Process of Acute Treatment for Depression in Terms of Monitoring Activity and Sleep Efficiency with Actigraphy

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and follow-up the process of acute treatment for depression in terms of activity and sleep efficiency using actigraphy, and thus increase the opportunities for objective measurement in the monitoring of treatment.

Methods: A total of 20 patients with depression, and 22 and age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. All subjects were evaluated using a sociodemographic data form, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and actigraphy for measurement of motor activity and sleep efficiency.

Results: The activity levels and sleep efficiency of the controls were significantly higher than the preand post-treatment activity levels and sleep efficiency of the patients. After the treatment process, both motor activity and sleep efficiency were found to be significantly increased in the patients. A highly significant negative correlation was found between the HDRS scores and average activity counts for active intervals (r = −0.779, P < .001), and between the HDRS scores and sleep efficiency (r = −0.616, P < .001). On the other hand, a significant negative effect was found between depression and average activity counts for active intervals (RR:0.880; 95% CI:0.782-0.991).

Conclusions: Actigraphy is a useful technique for quantifying physical activities and sleep efficiency in depressed patients. Furthermore, it may provide objective follow-up data in assessing the effects of treatment for depression.

Cite this article as: Akıncı E, İnce B. Evaluation of the process of acute treatment for depression in terms of monitoring activity and sleep efficiency with actigraphy. Psychiatr Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021; 31(2): 213-218.