TREATMENT OF MAJOR-DEPRESSION WITH METYRAPONE AND HYDROCORTISONE

Eight inpatients with Major Depression were treated with metyrapone an d hydrocortisone in a balanced order placebo-controlled singe-blind cr oss-over study. The hydrocortisone dose (30 mg daily) was a physiologi cal replacement dose and the metyrapone dose was titrated against plas ma cortisol in order to keep cortisol within physiological limits. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. This placebo-controlled study replicates the results of several uncon trolled studies but leaves open for further study the mechanism by whi ch the combined administration of metyrapone and hydrocortisone might exert its antidepressant effect.