CARDIAC AUTONOMIC MODULATION CHANGES IN MOOD DISORDERS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, represent a major global health burden. Recent advancements in understanding the physiological underpinnings of mood disorders have highlighted the potential role of heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. This study aims to explore the relationship between HRV and mood disorders, examining its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Atotal of 150 participants (75 diagnosed with major depressive disorder, 75 with bipolar disorder) and 50 age-matched healthy controls were assessed using both time-domain and frequency-domain HRV measurements. Results indicate significant differences in HRV between patients with mood disorders and healthy controls, with lower HRV observed in the disorder groups. These findings suggest HRVas a promising tool for understanding autonomic dysregulation in mood disorders.