Differences in the response to the combined DEX-CRH test between PTSD patients with and without co-morbid depressive disorder

C.S. de Kloet, H.G.J.M. Vermetten, E.G.W.M. Lentjes, S.G. Geuze, J. van Pelt, R. Manuel, C.J. Heijnen, H.G.M. Westenberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine studies have shown profound alterations in HPA-axis regulation in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Based on baseline assessments and the response to dexamethasone, a hypothalamic overdrive with enhanced glucocorticoid feedback inhibition has been suggested. The dexamethasone-corticotrophin releasing hormone (DEX-CRH) test has shown to be a more sensitive test to assess HPA-axis dysregulation in major depression and therefore may provide a useful test tool to probe HPA-axis regulation in PTSD.

METHODS: To evaluate the effect of PTSD on HPA-axis regulation, we compared the response to a DEX-CRH test between male veterans with PTSD (n=26) and male veterans, who had been exposed to similar traumatic events during their deployment, without PTSD (n=23). Patients and controls were matched on age, year and region of deployment. Additionally, we compared the response of PTSD patients with (n=13) and without co-morbid major depressive disorder (MDD) (n=13).

RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in ACTH and cortisol response to the DEX-CRH test between patients and controls. PTSD patients with co-morbid MDD showed a significantly lower ACTH response compared to patients without co-morbid MDD. The response to the DEX-CRH test did not correlate with PTSD or depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The DEX-CRH test did not reveal HPA-axis abnormalities in PTSD patients as compared to trauma controls. PTSD patients with a co-morbid MDD showed an attenuated ACTH response compared to PTSD patients without co-morbid MDD, suggesting the presence of subgroups with different HPA-axis regulation within the PTSD group. Altered sensitivity of the CRH receptors at the pituitary or differences in AVP secretion might explain these differences in response.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)313-320
Number of pages8
JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology
Volume33
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2008

Keywords

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood
  • Adult
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Depressive Disorder/complications
  • Dexamethasone
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone/blood
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Receptors, Glucocorticoid/drug effects
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/complications
  • Veterans

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