Suppressive effects of dexamethasone on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function in depressed patients |
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| Authors: | M Maes M Vandewoude C Schotte M Martin P Blockx |
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| Institution: | Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. |
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| Abstract: | This study investigated the effects of dexamethasone (1 mg orally) on the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. We determined pre- and post-dexamethasone thyroid-secreting hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), reverse T3 and cortisol levels in 61 depressed inpatients. Dexamethasone had a pronounced suppressive effect on basal TSH and FT3 levels. It had a significant stimulating effect on rT3 levels. No differences were found between melancholic and minor depressives in the effects of dexamethasone on basal TSH, FT3 and rT3. Cortisol non-suppressors were characterized by less suppression of basal TSH values. |
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