Clinical use of electrodermal activity and current developments


Kara A. Y., DOLU N., Esen F.

European Biophysics Journal, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00249-026-01820-z
  • Dergi Adı: European Biophysics Journal
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, INSPEC, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Autonomic nervous system, Clinical applications, Electrodermal activity, Signal processing, Sympathetic nervous system, Wearable technology
  • Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Electrodermal activity (EDA) represents a valuable non-invasive measure of sympathetic nervous system function with expanding applications in both research and clinical settings. The physiological foundations of EDA lie in eccrine sweat gland activity. This activity is controlled by sympathetic cholinergic innervation through complex central neural pathways. Clinical applications span multiple domains, including psychiatry, neurology, and cognitive assessment, where distinct EDA patterns characterize conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, peripheral neuropathies, and neurodegenerative diseases. Significant technological advancements have revolutionized EDA measurement, transitioning from controlled laboratory environments to wearable continuous monitoring systems suitable for naturalistic assessment. Advanced sensor technologies, signal processing algorithms, and artificial intelligence methods have been integrated. This integration has substantially improved data acquisition and interpretation capabilities. The development of multiparametric approaches that combine EDA with complementary physiological measures offers a more comprehensive assessment of autonomic function. Challenges remain in measurement standardization and interpretation of individual variability. Despite these challenges, EDA demonstrates substantial potential for enhancing diagnostic precision, facilitating personalized interventions, and advancing our understanding of autonomic function across health and disease states.