TRH-induced prolactin release in unipolar depressed patients and controls

We compared unipolar depressed patients (N = 32) with normal controls (N = 38) for their prolactin responses on the thyrotropin releasing hormone test. Depressed patients showed prolactin responses similar to sex matched controls. Among the depressed patients there were no significant differences for prolactin response between those with or without a blunted thyroid stimulating hormone response, dexamethasone suppressors or nonsuppressors, or between melancholic and nonmelancholic depressive subgroups.