Merlin H. Johnson

Skin conductance characteristics of depressed subjects before and after therapeutic intervention.

Three hypotheses were tested in a population of depressed patients: a) electrical skin conductance levels and responses are lower in depressed individuals; b) skin conductance levels and responses are lower in the right hand than the left hand of right-handed depressed individuals; and c) skin conductance levels and responses will increase in magnitude after successful therapeutic intervention. The data supported only the first hypothesis. Results may have implications for a trait vs. state differentiation of the depressive process.

A resident cycle and patient reactions

Abstract The effects of a resident cycle and other staff variables on patient behavior were studied on two closed psychiatric wards. It was found that the longer the residents are on the ward, the better the patients sleep, and the more increases there are of level of medication, although these two effects are independent.