Abnormalities of dexamethasone suppression test and urinary MHPG in anorexia nervosa

Twenty-two patients with primary anorexia nervosa were assessed on variables of weight, mood, dexamethasone suppression test, and 24-hour urinary MHPG levels. Patients at less than 80% of their ideal weight had abnormally high cortisol levels after the test and low MHPG levels, regardless of their m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe American journal of psychiatry Vol. 138; no. 5; p. 650
Main Authors Gerner, R H, Gwirtsman, H E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.1981
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Anorexia Nervosa - physiopathology
Anorexia Nervosa - urine
Dexamethasone
Female
Glycols - urine
Humans
Hydrocortisone - urine
Male
Methoxyhydroxyphenylglycol - urine
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Summary:Twenty-two patients with primary anorexia nervosa were assessed on variables of weight, mood, dexamethasone suppression test, and 24-hour urinary MHPG levels. Patients at less than 80% of their ideal weight had abnormally high cortisol levels after the test and low MHPG levels, regardless of their mood. The authors hypothesize that these abnormalities are not due to depression associated with anorexia nervosa and that decreased norepinephrine metabolism may be related to this illness.
ISSN:0002-953X
1535-7228
DOI:10.1176/ajp.138.5.650