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Blink Rate in Psychiatric Illness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

J. H. Mackintosh ,
R. Kumar  and
T. Kitamura
J. H. Mackintosh
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham, Uffculme and Charles Burns Clinic, Queensbridge Road, Birmingham
R. Kumar
Affiliation:
All Saints Hospital, Winson Green, Birmingham
T. Kitamura
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, The Medical School, University of Birmingham
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Summary

Twenty-three patients diagnosed as depressed and a matched group of normal subjects were interviewed on three occasions using standardised procedures. Their behaviour was quantified from video recordings. The results indicate that blink rate is increased in depression and falls to normal levels during treatment. The effect on blink rate was found to be independent of medication, but was related to the degree of improvement in the patients' condition. By contrast a sample of schizophrenic patients seen on one occasion showed a reduced blink rate which was probably a result of neuroleptic administration.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 143 , Issue 1 , July 1983 , pp. 55 - 57
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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