Immunoreactive beta-endorphin, cortisol, and growth hormone plasma levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Basal morning plasma levels of immunoreactive-beta-endorphin (ir-beta-EP), cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) were assessed in 13 obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients in comparison to 20 healthy controls. All subjects were drug free for at least 1 year. The mean plasma level of ir-beta-EP was significantly lower (36%) in the OCD patients when compared with the control subjects. The decrease in ir-beta-EP was not accompanied by alteration in cortisol and GH plasma levels.