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Research Article| Volume 28, ISSUE 8, P665-672, October 15, 1990

A pilot study of a neuroendocrine test battery in posttraumatic stress disorder

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(90)90453-9
A pilot study of a neuroendocrine test battery in posttraumatic stress disorder
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      Abstract

      Eight female patients who fulfilled DSM-III criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) took part in this study. They were each assessed using the dexamethasone suppression test, the desipramine/growth hormone stimulation test, which examines alpha-2-adrenoceptor functioning, and the buspirone/prolactin test, which is thought to examine 5-HT receptor functioning. A control group consisting of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects was also tested. For each subject the three tests were conducted over 5 days. Hormone assays were carried out blind to diagnosis. Overall no differences on any of the three tests were detected between the patients and controls. The results do not support a link between PTSD and major depression.
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      Article info

      Publication history

      Received in revised form: April 7, 1990
      Received: October 27, 1989

      Identification

      DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0006-3223(90)90453-9

      Copyright

      © 1990 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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