Variability of hormonal responses to a series of neuroendocrine challenges in depressed patients

Abstract

Abnormalities of hormonal responses to a number of neuroendocrine challenges have been reported in depressed patients. A series of 4 neuroendocrine challenges, TRH and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation, insulin tolerance test (ITT), and overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were used. Eight hormonal responses in 24 healthy subjects and 26 patients with primary unipolar affective disorder were examined. Seven control subjects (29.2%) and 25 depressed patients (96.2%) had at least 1 abnormal response, and 15 depressed patients (57.7%) had 2 or more abnormal responses. Apparently, depressed patients show variability in hormonal response across a number of neuroendocrine axes. No consistent patterns of abnormality of hormonal response were observed.