Differences in adrenal steroid profile in chronic fatigue syndrome, in depression and in health

Background: Hyperactivity and hypoactivity of the HPA have been forwarded a s of pathophysiological relevance in major depressive disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), respectively. Methods. This study examines cortisol levels in the two disorders, and also assesses levels of the adrenal andro gens, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate derivative (DHEA-S), a nd 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone; 15 subjects with CFS diagnosed according t o CDC criteria, 15 subjects with DSM III-R major depression and 11 healthy subjects were compared. Results: DHEA and DHEA-S levels were significantly lower in the CFS compared to the healthy group; DHEA-S levels, but not DHEA , were lower in the depressives; cortisol and 17-alphahydroxyprogesterone d id not differ between the three groups. Conclusions: A potential role for D HEA, both therapeutically and as a diagnostic tool, in CFS, is suggested. ( C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.