beta-Endorphin. Intravenous infusion causes behavioral change in psychiatric inpatients.
Ten depressed and eight schizophrenic patients received synthetic human beta-endorphin infusions in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Physicians' and nurses' ratings and patients' self-ratings were used to measure behavioral change. Depressed patients improved significantly two to four hours after beta-endorphin treatment when compared with placebo treatment. There was no significant change in the schizophrenic patients as a group, although six of eight worsened after beta-endorphin treatment. No significant behavioral effects were observed during the infusions themselves or on postinfusion days.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004723:Endorphins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D004723:Endorphins