Posted by SLS on May 31, 2001, at 18:40:38
In reply to Re: antiglucocorticoids in depression » paulk, posted by Elizabeth on May 30, 2001, at 16:08:18
> > Interesting papers – It was my understanding that high cortisol levels are thought to effect brain development and may be the cause of atypical depression.
>
> I think it's the reverse: high cortisol levels are associated with "typical" depressive symptoms, while some "atypical" depressives have been found to have *low* cortisol levels.
>
> -e
If it helps to add to the database, I consistently test positive for the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Unfortunately, I don't recall ever having been tested for baseline cortisol, although I am sure the NIMH assayed for it. I certainly gave them enough blood for them to have been able to. I have bipolar disorder that presents as an unremitting chronic severe anergic depression with reverse vegetative symptomology and social anxiety / inhibition. Although bipolar depression is sometimes likened to atypical unipolar depression, the most important difference (for me, anyway) is the lack of mood reactivity.Good topic. Cam W. should speak up. He has done quite a bit of reading on this issue and I believe has spoken to Dr. C. Nemeroff, a researcher who has focused on HPA CRH-cortisol stuff.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:64672
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/64945.html