Classification of patients with affective disorders using platelet monoamine oxidase activity, serum melatonin and post-dexamethasone cortisol.
Platelet monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), melatonin and cortisol post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were examined in 28 patients with major affective disorder and in 20 controls. MAO activity was lower and cortisol post-dexamethasone was higher in depressed patients. Platelet MAO activity and cortisol in depressed and controls yielded high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (89%). The patients were re-examined after 10 years and categorized into affective psychosis or neurotic depression (ICD-9). Multidimensional analysis identified one subgroup coinciding in 92% with affective psychosis and another subgroup coinciding in 87% with neurotic depression. Combination of MAO, melatonin and post-DST cortisol may be useful in the diagnosis of subgroups of depressed patients and in choice of therapy.
Wahlund
B
B
Department of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institute, St. Göran's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Sääf
J
J
Wetterberg
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000201:enzymology*; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000097:blood*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D003907:Dexamethasone; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase; D008550:Melatonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone