Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in unipolar major depression. Short communication

J Neural Transm (Vienna). 1998;105(4-5):537-42. doi: 10.1007/s007020050077.

Abstract

We investigated plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and cortisol levels in 12 patients with unipolar depression and 11 matched normal controls. The depressed patients showed significantly higher values of plasma DHEAS and cortisol than the controls. After 4 weeks of treatment with antidepressants (mainly clomiplamine), the high plasma DHEAS levels recovered. This finding showed the possible relationship between plasma DHEAS levels and depression, as well as cortisol levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / blood*
  • Depressive Disorder / blood*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Reference Values

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
  • Hydrocortisone