Pre- and post-dexamethasone plasma ACTH levels in depressed patients and normal controls.
Levels of plasma ACTH in relation to dexamethasone administration were evaluated in 16 medication-free patients with a major depressive episode and 39 normal controls. Depressed patients had significantly higher levels of plasma ACTH than controls both at 4:00 p.m. predexamethasone and 4:00 p.m. postdexamethasone. The significance of this finding is discussed.
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D003907:Dexamethasone; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone