Original Articles: PDF Only

Depressed Mood and Other Psychiatric Manifestations of Cushing's Syndrome: Relationship to Hormone Levels

Starkman, Monica N. MD; Schteingart, David E. MD; Schork, Anthony M. PhD

Author Information

From the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and the Metabolism Research Unit), School of Medicine and the Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Address requests for reprints to: Dr. Monica N. Starkman. Director, Consultation-Liaison Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

Received for publication March 17, 1980; final revision received September 24, 1980.

Psychosomatic Medicine 43(1):p 3-18, February 1981.

Abstract

 

Thirty-five consecutive patients with Cushing's syndrome were studied prospectively prior to treatment. A consistent constellation of psychiatric disturbances was found, including impairments in affect (depressed mood and crying), cognitive functions (decreased concentration and memory), and vegetative functions (decreased libido and insomnia). A statistically significant relationship was found between the overall psychiatric disability rating and cortisol and ACTH level. The relationship of depressed mood and hormone levels was examined. Low ACTH levels were significantly associated with milder rather than pronounced depressed mood. The implications of the similarities in psychiatric manifestations between Cushing's syndrome and the primary affective disorders are discussed.

Copyright © 1981 by American Psychosomatic Society

Full Text Access for Subscribers:

Not a Subscriber?

Buy
Request Permissions

You can read the full text of this article if you:

Access through Ovid