Classification of patients with affective disorders using platelet monoamine oxidase activity, serum melatonin and post-dexamethasone cortisol

Platelet monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), melatonin and cortisol post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were examined in 28 patients with major affective disorder and in 20 controls. MAO activity was lower and cortisol post-dexamethasone was higher in depressed patients. Platelet MAO activity an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inActa psychiatrica Scandinavica Vol. 91; no. 5; p. 313
Main Authors Wahlund, B, Sääf, J, Wetterberg, L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.1995
Subjects
Adult
Age Factors
Blood Platelets - enzymology
Body Height
Body Weight
Dexamethasone
Female
Humans
Hydrocortisone - blood
Male
Melatonin - blood
Middle Aged
Monoamine Oxidase - blood
Mood Disorders - blood
Time Factors
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Summary:Platelet monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), melatonin and cortisol post-dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were examined in 28 patients with major affective disorder and in 20 controls. MAO activity was lower and cortisol post-dexamethasone was higher in depressed patients. Platelet MAO activity and cortisol in depressed and controls yielded high sensitivity (90%) and specificity (89%). The patients were re-examined after 10 years and categorized into affective psychosis or neurotic depression (ICD-9). Multidimensional analysis identified one subgroup coinciding in 92% with affective psychosis and another subgroup coinciding in 87% with neurotic depression. Combination of MAO, melatonin and post-DST cortisol may be useful in the diagnosis of subgroups of depressed patients and in choice of therapy.
ISSN:0001-690X
DOI:10.1111/j.1600-0447.1995.tb09788.x