Psychotropic effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation in depressive patients.
Synthetic human corticotropin-releasing hormone (hCRH) was administered as an intravenous bolus (100 micrograms) to 13 patients suffering from endogenous depression and to 12 healthy volunteers. Compared with controls, depressed patients showed a significant amelioration of mood and well-being 2 h after hCRH administration in the rating scales applied ('Befindlichkeits-Skala', 'Eigenschaftswörterliste', 'Kurzskala Stimmung-Aktivierung', Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression). Based on our preliminary data, a psychotropic effect and at least a mediating function of hCRH regarding pathophysiology and etiopathogenesis of endogenous depressions must be assumed.
Laux
G
G
Department of Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, FRG.
Lesch
K P
KP
Schwab
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects*; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests
D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone