endocrine correlates of depression

Last reviewed 01/2018

There are several endocrine abnormalities associated with depression:

  • raised cortisol levels:
    • Cushing's syndrome may cause depression
    • abnormal diurnal secretion of cortisol and failure of dexamethasone to suppress cortisol are a non-specific feature of disorders including depression, schizophrenia, mania and dementia

  • depression is also associated with:
    • Addison's disease
    • hyperparathyroidism