Neuroendocrine challenge studies in puerperal psychoses. Dexamethasone suppression and TRH stimulation

Abstract

Subjects admitted to hospital with post-partum psychoses were compared with matched normal post-partum controls using two neuroendocrine challenge tests: dexamethasone suppression of cortisol and TRH stimulation of TSH. Post-dexamethasone cortisol levels were significantly elevated. There were less-clear hints of blunting of TSH response. In the small samples there was no obvious association of abnormalities with any particular diagnoses within the range of mania, psychotic depression and schizoaffective disorders.