A preliminary study on the use of calcitonin in clinical psychopathology

After having reviewed the properties of calcitonin (Ct), a hormone involved in calcium-phosphate metabolism and bone turnover, mention is made of the effects of Ct at the level of the CNS and its role as a neuromediator interfering with endorphins, prolactin, dopamine and the Ca concentration of the CSF. Overall's rating scale was used to evaluate the effects of synthetic salmon Ct in nine subjects with severe depression syndromes refractory to normal therapy. The study demonstrated statistically significant improvements of the major symptoms (behavioural excitation, depression, agitation, anxiety and affectivity). The favourable results justify broader and more detailed studies involving the relationship between Ct and psychopathology.