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Review
. 2021 Jun 1;28(3):325-329.
doi: 10.1097/MED.0000000000000633.

Psychological complications of Cushing's syndrome

Alicia Santos  1 , Susan M Webb, Eugenia Resmini
Affiliations
Review

Psychological complications of Cushing's syndrome

Alicia Santos et al. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this article is to review and discuss recent evidence of psychological complications in Cushing's syndrome.

Recent findings: Recent research has described the presence of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, mania, bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Furthermore, the perspective of patients' partners has also been emphasized.

Summary: Recent literature highlights the importance of screening for psychological alterations in Cushing's syndrome, as these alterations can be present in many patients, having a high impact in daily life. Depression is a very common symptom, although in rare cases, patients can also present mania or psychosis. Some studies highlight the importance of screening for organic disease (including Cushing's syndrome) in patients with unexpected or first onset psychiatric symptoms. Finally, the perspective of the patients' partners makes it clear that the partners can also suffer due to the disease of the patient. Intervention programmes involving patient's partners could be helpful to improve both patient and partner wellbeing.

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References

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    1. Webb SM, Santos A, Aulinas A, et al. Patient-centered outcomes with pituitary and parasellar disease. Neuroendocrinology 2020; 110:882–888.
    1. Santos A, Resmini E, Pascual JC, et al. Psychiatric symptoms in patients with Cushing's syndrome: prevalence, diagnosis and management. Drugs 2017; 77:829–842.
    1. Tiemensma J, Biermasz NR, Middelkoop HA, et al. Increased prevalence of psychopathology and maladaptive personality traits, after long-tem1 cure of Cushing's disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010; 95:129–141.