PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

THIS is a study of electric body resistance of 10 catatonic dementia prsecox patients and four normal persons. No apparent relationship between the Richter type of resistance curves and sleep occurred in normal subjects. A drop in the resistance level of non-sudorific areas took place quite frequently with both groups and was probably related to the 'rest curve ' noted in the psychogalvanic studies. The catatonics showed a greater percentage of records in which variations of resistance of more than 20,000 ohms occurred. The number of irregularities in the curves was also slightly greater but less characteristic of the psychopaths than the amplitude of the fluctuations. It is tentatively suggested that a greater minute-to-minute instability or variability of autonomic function is indicated in the catatonics. It cannot be stated whether this variability is characteristic of the catatonic group or of psychotic patients in general, although the latter seems more probable. This variability probably should not be confused with psychogalvanic reactivity to an external stimulating situation. C. S. R.