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Proceeding from the hypothesis of disturbed circadian rhythms in endogenous depression, we observed the oral temperature of four patients in a long-term study. The results showed the following: 1) Depression is linked to higher mean daily temperatures compared with normal states. In manic states, the mean daily temperature is even higher than in depressive states. Sleep deprivation as effective treatment causes a decrease in mean daily temperature. 2) The daily temperature maximum changes its position in depressive states. This is interpreted as indicating a disturbed circadian system. 3) A period shorter or longer than 24 h cannot be observed in depressive states.
Pflug et al. (Sun,) studied this question.