Low basal levels of cortisol distinguish detoxified alcoholics with major depressive disorder from non-MDDs.
Basal plasma levels of cortisol and its suppression by dexamethasone were measured in 60 inpatient alcoholics 12-13 days after detoxification. Both hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal system parameters were essentially within normal limits in most patients--those who did not meet criteria for major depressive disorder (n = 43) as well as those who met criteria for MDD per their episode (n-17). Basal levels of cortisol below 7 micrograms/dl distinguished alcoholics without MDD from those who met criteria for MDD per current episodes.
Halbreich
U
U
Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, Buffalo 14215.
Castaneda
R
R
Galanter
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000097:blood* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D006854:Hydrocortisone