Plasma Cortisol Levels in Depression
R. J. DOIG M.B., Ch.B., D.P.M.1,
R. V. MUMMERY M.B., Ch.B.2,
M. R. WILLS M.D., M.C.Path.3, and
A. ELKES M.B., B.S., L.R.C.P., M.R.C.S., D.P.M.4
1 Registrar, Belmont Hospital, Sutton, Surrey
2 Registrar, Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London
3 Honorary Consultant, Dept. of Chemical Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London
4 Research Assistant and Hon. Senior Registrar, St. John's Hospital, Stone, Aylesbury, Bucks.
Plasma cortisol levels were estimated during the night on hospitalized depressed patients and on controls in hospital. No clear difference in pattern was discovered, except that the mean 6 a.m. level was significantly higher in the depressions than in the controls. There appears to be a tendency for cortisol level patterns in depressed patients to change towards normal on recovery, and this appears to be worthy of further study.
Submitted on May 2, 1966
