Legal News
People with depression may perceive time as passing more slowly, say researchers (26 March 2015)
Date: 26/03/2015
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg-Universität in Mainz, Germany have found that for those with depression, time appears to move more slowly.
The study investigated 433 people with depression and compared their perceptions of time passing with 485 people without depression.
The researchers say that people being treated for depression frequently report that, for them, time passes “very slowly”.
Using a pool of information from other studies and research, the team analysed results from studies involving adults with depression and a control group of people without depression.
They only used data from studies involving patients with diagnosed depression using standardised criteria, where there was enough statistical data for information to be pooled.
The researchers found no difference in the ability of the two groups to estimate actual time durations in tests – for example, estimating when one minute had passed.
However, the researchers said that results confirmed “anecdotal reports” from mental health staff at hospitals and in private practice that “depressed patients feel that their time only creeps forward slowly – or is passing in slow motion”.
The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of mental health solicitors – and the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit police stations and hospitals to advise on mental health law, including access to services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis may also be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on mental health law, including initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.