The differential ACTH responses to combined dexamethasone/CRH administration in major depressive and dysthymic disorders

In a preliminary study, we performed the combined dexamethasone/CRH test on patients with major depressive and dysthymic disorders as well as healthy controls. The ACTH response was significantly enhanced in the major depress ion group compared to the control group and tended to be hightened compared to the dysthymia group. The cortisol response was not significantly differ ent among the three groups. We assume that major depression and dysthymia a re neuroendocrinologically distinct disorders, although whether the differe nce is quantitative or qualitative remains to be examined. (C) 2000 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.