Temporal stability of the dex/CRH test in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar I disorder: a pilot study

Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2005 Apr;39(4):244-8. doi: 10.1080/j.1440-1614.2005.01560.x.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the hypothesis that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function is a trait abnormality in bipolar disorder.

Method: We examined HPA axis function in a pilot study of five patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder in both relapse and remission using the dexamethasone/corticotropin releasing hormone (dex/CRH) test.

Results: The cortisol response to the dex/CRH test correlated significantly between the 2 tests (r = 0.997; p < 0.0005).

Conclusion: The data suggests that the cortisol response to the dex/CRH test is stable over time and independent of mood state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents* / pharmacology
  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Bipolar Disorder / rehabilitation
  • Body Mass Index
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone* / pharmacology
  • Dexamethasone*
  • Female
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Periodicity*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Dexamethasone
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone