Increased salivary cortisol after waking in depression.

Journal article

RATIONALE: Cortisol hypersecretion is regarded as important in the pathophysiology of major depression. However, recent studies in community-based samples have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether acutely depressed, medication-free subjects show an exaggerated release of cortisol in saliva in relation to awakening. METHODS: We studied the pattern of waking salivary cortisol in 20 unmedicated acutely depressed subjects and 40 healthy controls. RESULTS: In both groups, salivary cortisol increased rapidly after waking, peaking at 30 min. Overall, patients with acute depression secreted approximately 25% more cortisol than controls, though 60 min after waking, their cortisol levels were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Depressed patients in the community appear to have increased early morning cortisol secretion, but the demonstration of this effect requires control for time of waking.

Authors: Bhagwagar, Z; Hafizi, S; Cowen, P

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Psychopharmacology
• Volume: 182
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 54-57
• Publication date: 2005-10-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0062-z
• EISSN: 1432-2072
• ISSN: 0033-3158
• Language: English
• Keywords: Reference Values; Middle Aged; Wakefulness; Secretory Rate; Humans; Adult; Male; Circadian Rhythm; Saliva; Female; Cushing Syndrome; Depressive Disorder, Major; Hydrocortisone