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Multiple endocrine responses to clonidine in obsessive compulsive dissorder
S Khanna1, P L Reddy, M N Subhash
1Sumant Khanna, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore - 560 029.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|July 22, 2011
Summary
This study found significant neuroendocrine disturbances in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including abnormal growth hormone, cortisol, and ACTH release in response to clonidine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition.
- Neuroendocrine system dysregulation may play a role in OCD pathophysiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neuroendocrine responses to clonidine in individuals with OCD compared to healthy controls.
- To explore potential noradrenergic and serotonergic dysfunction in OCD.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two subjects diagnosed with OCD and 18 healthy volunteers were administered clonidine.
- Multiple neuroendocrine responses, including growth hormone, cortisol, and ACTH release, were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant heterogeneity was observed in growth hormone responses among OCD subjects.
- Disturbances in cortisol and ACTH release were significantly noted in the OCD group.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest significant neuroendocrine abnormalities in OCD.
- An interactional model involving noradrenergic and serotonergic systems is proposed to explain OCD pathology.
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